Countdown to Taiwan’s participation in World Health Assembly begins amid China’s objections

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A decision on whether Taiwan can participate in the World Health Assembly (WHA)–a move strongly opposed by China– will be taken in the next few days.</p>
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According to Taiwan News, Joanne Ou, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said the issue of Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) has been added to the health meeting's agenda as a supplementary item.</p>
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The newspaper reported that Taiwan is making a last-ditch effort to take part in the 74th WHA, which will be held from May 24 to June 1 via video conference. The WHO previously stated that whether Taiwan can be an observer in the WHA depends on its member states.</p>
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Though China has continued to oppose Taiwan’s participation in the WHA, global support has been growing for Taipei.</p>
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Many have campaigned to ensure that Taiwan is given a seat at the WHA as an observer.</p>
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The governing body of the World Health Organization is due to meet from May 24.</p>
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Meanwhile, the Chinese state-owned news organisation CGTN said that Beijing will not agree to Taiwan’s participation.</p>
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"There is only one China in the world, and the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) is the sole legal government representing the whole of China," CGTN quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian as saying. He added that the Taiwan region is an inalienable part of China's territory and even said that Taipei’s participation in events of the international organizations, including the WHO, must be in accordance with the one-China principle. Due to China’s opposition, Taiwan is not part of most global organisations including WHO.</p>