Exclusive: Health Minister of the Republic of China Asserts Stance in Switzerland, Insists on Joining World Health Assembly as “ROC” or “Taiwan”
Posted in Exclusive2 mn readThe Republic of China on Taiwan is currently not a member of the United Nations and, as such, has long been unable to participate in the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Health Assembly (WHA), both bodies functioning under the UN. However, between 2009 and 2016, Taiwan participated as an observer under the name “Chinese Taipei.” Since May 2017, due to obstruction by mainland China authorities, Taiwan has been unable to attend WHO meetings in any observer capacity. Nevertheless, Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare, Tai-yuan Chiu, recently led a delegation in an action group to represent Taiwan’s interests. The group held a press conference at the Geneva Press Club in Switzerland, where, responding to Eat News correspondent, Minister Chiu unequivocally stated his insistence on using “Republic of China” or “Taiwan” for joining the WHA, showing no willingness to accept other names.