Taiwan's attempts to obtain an invitation to the World Health Organization's annual meeting have failed, despite its assertion that support for its participation is growing. Officials at the annual meeting in Geneva decided on Monday not to invite Taiwan to attend the event, which takes place from May 21 to May 30.
The World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), on Monday decided not to include in its agenda a proposal concerning Taiwan's participation in the annual assembly as an observer.
In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated: "This fully demonstrates that the One China principle is the aspiration of the people and the direction of the times in the international community, and cannot be challenged in any way."
It added, "About 100 countries expressed, prior to the opening of the annual meeting, their respect for the One China principle and their opposition to Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization meeting through sending special messages to the organization and issuing statements."
The ministry's statement further mentioned, "China also urges certain countries to stop pretending to be confused, refrain from politicizing health issues, cease interference in China's internal affairs under the pretext of the Taiwan issue, and stop the wrongful practice of using Taiwan to undermine China's authority."
