Taiwan as an Observer in the World Health Assembly

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

The World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), will hold its annual meeting May 21-30 in Geneva to discuss global public health priorities.  It is a unique opportunity for delegates and health experts from around the world to advance global health and global health security.  We strongly encourage the WHO to invite Taiwan to participate as an observer at this year’s WHA meeting so it may lend its expertise to the discussions.

Inviting Taiwan as an observer would exemplify the WHO’s commitment to an inclusive, “health for all” approach to international health cooperation.  Taiwan is a highly capable, engaged, and responsible member of the global health community and has been invited to participate as an observer in previous WHA meetings.

Taiwan’s distinct capabilities and approaches – including its significant public health expertise, democratic governance, and advanced technology – bring considerable value that would inform the WHA’s deliberations.  Taiwan’s isolation from WHA, the preeminent global health forum, is unjustified and undermines inclusive global public health cooperation and security, which the world demands.

Taiwan is a reliable partner, a vibrant democracy, and a force for good in the world.  The United States will continue to advocate for Taiwan’s return as an observer at the WHA, and, moreover, for its meaningful and robust participation throughout the UN system and in international fora.  Our support for Taiwan’s participation in appropriate international fora is in line with our one China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three U.S.-China Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances.