79th World Health Assembly Maintains Status Quo on Taiwan Region’s Participation

The 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) decided on Monday, May 18, 2026, not to include a proposal by certain countries regarding the Taiwan region's participation as an observer on its agenda. This decision marks the tenth consecutive year that the WHA—the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO)—has rejected such proposals.

Upholding the One-China Principle

The State Council Taiwan Affairs Office of the Chinese mainland lauded the decision. Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the office, stated that the outcome once again demonstrates the international community's consensus on upholding the one-China principle. He further noted that attempts by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to seek a so-called "breakthrough" through underhanded maneuvers are destined to fail.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry echoed these sentiments, clarifying that the Chinese mainland's position on the Taiwan region's participation in international organizations is consistent and clear. According to the spokesperson, such participation must align with the one-China principle, as established by UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1. The spokesperson emphasized that without approval from the central government, the Taiwan region has no basis or right to participate in the WHA, particularly given the persistent separatist stance of the DPP authorities.

Prioritizing Public Health and Well-being

Despite the political deadlock, the Chinese central government continues to prioritize the health and well-being of compatriots in Taiwan. Under the prerequisite of upholding the one-China principle, proper arrangements have been made for the Taiwan region's involvement in global health affairs. Specifically, medical and health experts from the Taiwan region are permitted to attend WHO technical meetings.

Over the past year, the central government approved applications for 18 health experts from the Taiwan region to participate in WHO technical activities. These experts contributed to critical discussions on topics including vaccine development, immunization strategies, digital health, and mental health.

Furthermore, the Taiwan region maintains full-fledged information exchange mechanisms with the WHO and other countries under the International Health Regulations, ensuring prompt reporting on health emergencies. Cross-strait ties also include an unimpeded information-sharing mechanism for infectious disease outbreaks and collaborative events such as the Hospital CEO Forum.

Global Consensus and Future Outlook

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson highlighted that these concrete actions provide real benefits for the livelihood of residents of Taiwan, dismissing claims of a "gap" in global anti-epidemic efforts as politically driven lies.

The spokesperson concluded by stating that the decision to exclude the Taiwan region from this year's WHA has wide international support. Many countries have reaffirmed their adherence to UNGA Resolution 2758 and the one-China principle, expressing their support through various channels, including letters to the WHO Director-General. He stressed that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China, and that the trend towards reunification remains inevitable.