The World Health Assembly (WHA) reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle on Monday, rejecting a proposal to include Taiwan's participation as an observer in its agenda for the ninth consecutive year. The decision came as the 78th WHA session opened in Geneva, underscoring the diplomatic consensus among WHO member states.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin praised the move, stating it "fully demonstrates that the one-China principle represents the overwhelming will of the international community." The Kuomintang, Taiwan's main opposition party, expressed disappointment but reiterated its support for cross-strait dialogue to resolve differences.
Health experts note the exclusion does not prevent technical cooperation. "Taiwan's disease prevention data continues to be shared through existing WHO mechanisms," said Dr. Li Wei, a global health governance analyst at Peking University. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan criticized the decision as "detrimental to global health equity."
General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping recently emphasized China's commitment to "properly handling cross-strait differences through peaceful development" during a meeting with Taiwanese business leaders. Observers suggest health cooperation could become a confidence-building measure amid ongoing tensions.
