International News: World Health Organization rejects proposal to invite Taiwan to assembly

Published by BBNTEAM at May 19, 2025

Posted: Monday, May 19, 2025. 9:35 am CST.

By Zoila Palma: Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) member states voted against a proposal to invite Taiwan as an observer to its annual assembly in Geneva, following strong opposition from China.

Belize and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—two of the few countries maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan—led the proposal, calling Taiwan’s exclusion “unfair” and a threat to global health cooperation.

However, no major Western nations backed the bid, and the United States, which has announced plans to exit the WHO, left its seat vacant, Reuters report.

China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, led efforts to block the motion. Its ambassador said the proposal “challenges the authority of the U.N. and the post-war international order.” China also dismissed claims that excluding Taiwan harms global pandemic preparedness.

Taiwan had attended WHO assemblies as an observer from 2009 to 2016, but its participation has been blocked in recent years.

Despite campaigning in Geneva, Taiwan remains excluded from most international organizations due to Beijing’s objections.

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