Geneva – WHO member states have again decided not to invite Taiwan to the World Health Assembly (WHA), the United Nations’ top health policy forum. The WHA’s 78th session is scheduled to take place in Geneva from 19–27 May 2025, bringing together delegations from all 194 WHO member states. According to reports, a vote was held on Monday and members agreed to exclude Taiwan after China’s delegation appealed to keep the island “sidelined”.
Taiwanese Officials React
Taiwanese officials noted that as of mid-May the island had not received an invitation to the assembly. Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan held a May 16 press conference in Taipei saying the government “will not give up” on seeking observer status. He warned that excluding Taiwan – a “global leader in medical care and disease prevention” – would be “a loss for the world”. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung echoed that view, calling the island’s exclusion “a loss not only for Taiwan but for the entire world”. Chiu said he would lead a Taiwanese delegation to Geneva to attend side events and rally support for the island’s inclusion in future WHO discussions.
U.S. and Allies Voice Support
The United States and other democracies have urged Taiwan’s inclusion. In late April, a U.S. State Department spokesperson told Taiwan’s Central News Agency that Washington would “continue to advocate in support of Taiwan’s meaningful participation” in WHO and other international bodies. The spokesperson described Taiwan as a “reliable and capable partner” whose contributions to global health provide “significant and sustainable benefits”. On May 19, diplomatic missions representing Britain, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Czech Republic and Lithuania issued a joint statement backing Taiwan’s observer bid. The statement said Taiwan’s exclusion is “entirely unjustified” and undermines global health cooperation, adding that Taiwan’s public health expertise, democratic governance and advanced technology would bring “considerable value” to WHO deliberations.
Beijing’s Response
China’s government defended the exclusion as consistent with its one-China policy. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on May 16 that Taiwan’s participation “must follow the one-China principle” and told a press briefing that without Beijing’s approval “China’s Taiwan region… has no basis, reason or right to participate in the WHA”. He blamed Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party for maintaining an “obstinately” pro-independence stance that had eroded any political foundation for participation. On May 19, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that WHO committees had again “decided to reject” a proposal from some member states to invite Taiwan as an observer. Beijing said this decision reflects broad international consensus, with Lin adding that China’s stance had won “wide understanding and support from the international community”.
Continued Efforts
Taiwanese officials said they will keep pressing for inclusion in international health forums despite the latest setback. Health Minister Chiu reiterated that Taiwan “will not give up” on securing an invitation, even though Beijing’s one-China stance remains unchanged. Officials noted that Taiwan is not involved in negotiations on a new WHO pandemic treaty being finalized at this assembly, a step the island argues will weaken global preparedness. The 78th WHA is scheduled to run through May 27, and Taiwan’s delegation – led by Chiu – will remain in Geneva to attend side events and continue advocating for the island’s involvement.
