China's shadow looms over Taiwan at WHO gathering as Beijing intensifies diplomatic pressure
Taipei, May 20
Taiwan's delegation attending activities alongside the World Health Assembly in Geneva has reportedly faced surveillance and diplomatic intimidation linked to China, according to Taiwan's Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chung-liang. The minister said Chinese pressure was increasingly evident during this year's international health meetings, as reported by The Taipei Times.
According to The Taipei Times, speaking through a video conference with Taiwanese journalists after the WHO once again denied Taiwan observer status at the WHA, Shih said China continued to obstruct Taiwan's participation in global health affairs. Taiwan has now been excluded from the WHA for a decade due to opposition from China, despite repeated support from democratic nations.
Shih revealed that individuals believed to be Chinese nationals were allegedly tracking the movements of Taiwan's delegation during a public walking event hosted by Taipei. He also noted that attendance at a "Taiwan Night" reception appeared significantly lower this year.
Taiwanese officials suspect many diplomatic allies and representatives from international organisations may have stayed away because of pressure exerted by Beijing. Despite the diplomatic hurdles, Shih emphasised that Taiwan's broader engagement with international health experts remained active. Taiwan continued participating in technical meetings, bilateral discussions and professional forums held outside the official WHA agenda, even though US health officials were absent this year.
Taiwan organised four major forums focusing on healthcare resilience, smart medical technology, cancer prevention and hepatitis C treatment. These events were designed to demonstrate Taiwan's capabilities and contributions to global public health systems, as highlighted by The Taipei Times.
Shih further highlighted strong international interest in Taiwan's smart healthcare exhibition, saying some participants explored future partnerships and commercial cooperation opportunities. He added that Taiwan has increasingly relied on flexible diplomatic outreach, including side events and professional exchanges, to strengthen international ties while facing growing isolation efforts from Beijing, as reported by The Taipei Times.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's sad that China uses health as a political weapon. Taiwan has made amazing progress in healthcare, especially in areas like cancer treatment and smart medical tech. The world loses when politics blocks such expertise. Hope India can play a role in bridging this gap diplomatically. 🙏
This is pure diplomatic bullying! China shouldn't be allowed to dictate who participates in global health matters. Taiwan's expertise in healthcare resilience and smart medical technology is exactly what the world needs. India must stand firm with other democracies to support Taiwan.
Another year, same story. China's "One China" policy is outdated. Taiwan has its own government and healthcare system. The WHO should be about saving lives, not politics. India should push for Taiwan's inclusion in global health discussions.
I understand China's concerns about sovereignty, but blocking Taiwan from WHO is counterproductive. Taiwan's healthcare system is world-class, especially in pandemic management and smart healthcare. India could actually learn from Taiwan's healthcare innovations. Let's focus on health, not politics.
China's tactics - surveillance, intimidation, pressure on allies - are straight out of an authoritarian playbook. Taiwan's side events are a creative way to engage, but they shouldn't have to resort to workarounds. Global health needs Taiwan's expertise, period.
R We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.