WHA's rejection of Taiwan proposal justified: China Daily editorial

No matter what the Democratic Progressive Party authorities of Taiwan say or do to whitewash their secessionist scheme, it does not change the fact that Taiwan is part of China, and the trend toward China's national reunification is irresistible.

The international community has consistently said no to any notion of "Taiwan independence". The latest decision by the 79th World Health Assembly to reject the proposal for the Chinese island to participate in its plenary session in Geneva as an observer underscores this.

For the 10th consecutive year the WHA has upheld the one-China principle, as enshrined in United Nations resolutions and other instruments of international law, by denying Taiwan's participation. This consistent stance of the WHA demonstrates the widespread recognition of China's sovereignty over the island and the importance of adhering to international law.

The refusal to entertain proposals that suggest Taiwan holds a status implying "statehood" is a testament to the organization's respect for China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The DPP's separatist stance has eroded the political foundation necessary for Taiwan's participation in international organizations such as the WHA as an observer. Its attempts to "internationalize" the Taiwan question by pushing for the island's participation in global forums under the guise of being an "independent nation" have failed to gain traction. The few parties that support this are simply using the island as a card to serve their own narrow interests. "China's Taiwan region, unless given approval by the central government of China, has no basis, reason or right to participate in the WHA," a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

The rejection of Taiwan's participation in the WHA shows that the majority of the international community recognizes and upholds the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1, which affirm the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.

The special arrangement allowing Taiwan to participate in WHA activities as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei" was made on the basis of the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle. This policy was upheld by the Ma Ying-jeou authorities from 2009 to 2016.

This political foundation facilitated Taiwan's participation in international organizations in a reasonable and appropriate manner, while extensive cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation conducted in various fields enhanced the well-being of residents on both sides.

Claims that Taiwan's exclusion from the WHA creates "gaps" in global health security are politically motivated falsehoods. Under the one-China principle, Beijing has made arrangements for Taiwan's participation in global health affairs. Health experts from Taiwan can attend the technical meetings of the World Health Organization, and there are mechanisms for information exchange under the International Health Regulations.

In the past year alone, 18 medical and health experts from Taiwan have participated in WHO technical activities, covering critical areas such as immunization strategy, vaccine development, mental health, and digital health. This demonstrates the central government's commitment to addressing the health concerns of Taiwan compatriots and ensuring their well-being.

Taiwan enjoys unimpeded and full-fledged information exchange mechanisms with the WHO and countries worldwide. This ensures that Taiwan can promptly access and report information related to health emergencies, allowing it to remain integrated in global health efforts.

Additionally, the two sides across the Taiwan Strait have established information-sharing mechanisms for infectious disease outbreaks and have held events such as the Hospital CEO Forum. The record shows that the central government cares deeply about the health and welfare of Taiwan residents and is prepared to do everything possible for their benefit.

If the DPP authorities want to return to the WHA, they must adhere to the 1992 Consensus and stop the reckless push for "Taiwan independence". The DPP authorities' current approach of seeking to tie their political goal to the well-being of Taiwan residents only leads to international isolation.