Source: Republic of China Taiwan
May 21, 2026 No.223 Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere gratitude to the representative offices of nine like-minded countries in Taiwan for issuing on May 21 a joint press release reiterating support for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly (WHA).
The press release—published by the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand, Lithuania, and Poland—marks the sixth consecutive year that representative offices of like-minded countries in Taiwan have issued such a joint statement to demonstrate strong support for Taiwan’s participation in WHO and the WHA.
The press release stated that, as the 79th session of the WHA was commencing in Geneva, Taiwan remained largely excluded from the world’s international health system. Pointing out that infectious diseases and health hazards did not respect borders and that global cooperation was required to keep the whole world safe, it explained that Taiwan was a highly capable, engaged, and responsible member of the global health community and had been invited to participate as an observer in WHA meetings from 2009 to 2016.
The press release also highlighted that Taiwan’s distinct public health expertise, democratic governance, and advanced technology could bring considerable value to WHA deliberations. Moreover, Taiwan’s isolation from the WHA, the preeminent global health forum, was entirely unjustified and undermined the spirit of inclusiveness that the world urgently demanded and that was enshrined in the founding documents of the WHO. The press release also stated that Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the fora and technical committees of WHO would bring benefits not just to people in Taiwan but also around the world, and would fully exemplify the WHA’s commitment to “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely thanks friendly countries and allies for continuing to staunchly support Taiwan through concrete action. As of May 20, 26 countries and the European Union had spoken up in support of Taiwan’s participation during the 79th WHA session.
MOFA also notes that WHO has warned that the recent hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks have become new global public health crises, underscoring the stark reality that disease knows no borders and that the global disease prevention network cannot have any gaps.
As an indispensable and constructive partner of the global health system, Taiwan will continue to leverage its public health governance capabilities and rich experience in epidemic prevention and control and transnational cooperation so as to further contribute to international medical and health systems. (E)