Why Taiwan Was Not Invited to the 79th World Health Assembly

Because the item was rejected procedurally, Taiwan did not receive an invitation to attend the assembly. The decision continued a pattern that has persisted since 2016, the last year Taiwan participated in the WHA as an observer.

China’s Argument: The “One China” Principle

China opposed the proposal and maintained that Taiwan cannot participate independently in international organizations tied to the United Nations.

Beijing’s position rests on several arguments:

• Taiwan is considered part of China, and any participation in international organizations must be arranged by the central government in Beijing.
• Participation must comply with the “one China” principle, which states that there is only one China and that the People’s Republic of China is its sole legal government.
• Chinese officials also cited UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, which recognized the People’s Republic of China as the legitimate representative of China at the United Nations and expelled representatives of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
• Beijing argues that WHA Resolution 25.1 and related WHO rules align with that UN decision and therefore settle questions of China’s representation within the WHO system.

Chinese officials and state‑linked media framed the outcome as evidence that adherence to the one‑China principle remains the dominant position in the international community.

Taiwan’s Allies: Public Health Should Come First

Countries that support Taiwan’s participation took a different approach, emphasizing practical public‑health considerations rather than sovereignty issues.

Several of Taiwan’s diplomatic partners submitted the proposal and spoke in Geneva about Taiwan’s contributions to international health cooperation.

Supporters argued that:

• Excluding Taiwan creates gaps in the global health system, particularly in information sharing and coordination during health emergencies.
• Taiwan has strong medical and public‑health capabilities that could benefit global disease prevention and response.
• Participation as an observer, rather than a member state, would allow Taiwan to contribute without forcing a political resolution of its international status.

Even without official participation in the assembly, Taiwanese officials and civil‑society groups held side events and advocacy activities in Geneva to highlight Taiwan’s health achievements and cooperation with other countries.

What the Decision Means for Taiwan

The immediate result is that Taiwan remains excluded from the WHA, continuing a situation that began after 2016.

From 2009 to 2016, Taiwan attended the World Health Assembly as an observer under the name “Chinese Taipei.” Invitations stopped after political tensions across the Taiwan Strait increased and Beijing objected to the arrangement.

Since then, Taiwan’s allies have repeatedly attempted to place the issue on the WHA agenda. Each year, the proposal has failed to gain approval, including again at the 79th assembly.

For now, Taiwan continues to engage with global health discussions through informal cooperation, advocacy events, and support from partner countries—while remaining outside the WHO’s main decision‑making forum.