Member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday rejected a proposal to invite Taiwan to attend its annual assembly in Geneva as an observer, after China firmly opposed its participation.

The decision came during the opening of the World Health Assembly (WHA), the WHO’s main decision-making gathering attended by health officials and diplomats from around the world.

China Blocks Taiwan Participation

During discussions on the proposal, China directly opposed Taiwan’s inclusion and insisted the island could not participate in any form.

“China does not agree to the participation of China’s Taiwan region in the World Health Assembly in any form,” a Chinese delegate told member states.

Pakistan also spoke against the proposal during the session.

Taiwan is excluded from most international organisations because Beijing considers the democratically governed island part of China and objects to any international recognition that treats Taiwan separately.

Supporters Warn Of ‘Global Health Gap’

Several countries supported Taiwan’s participation as an observer, arguing that global health cooperation should include all capable partners.

Palau, one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, warned delegates that excluding Taiwan could weaken global disease monitoring and information sharing.

“Global health governance cannot afford gaps,” Palau’s delegate said.

“Excluding any capable and responsible partner, including Taiwan, creates precisely such a gap.”

Taiwan has often argued that its experience in healthcare, epidemic control and technology could contribute to international public health efforts.

Taiwan’s International Space Remains Limited

Taiwan’s foreign minister arrived in Switzerland on Sunday to attend events held on the sidelines of the WHO meeting, despite the island’s formal exclusion from the assembly itself.

Taiwan was previously allowed to attend the World Health Assembly as an observer between 2009 and 2016 during the presidency of Ma Ying-jeou, whose government maintained warmer relations with Beijing.

However, China began blocking Taiwan’s participation after Tsai Ing-wen became president in 2016. Beijing objected to Tsai’s refusal to endorse its “One China” position, under which both Taiwan and mainland China are considered part of a single Chinese nation.

Since then, Taiwan’s participation in international organisations has become an increasingly sensitive geopolitical issue amid worsening cross-strait tensions.

(with inputs from Reuters)