Taiwan’s fight to be recognized as a World Health Organization member presents a critical turning point in global health collaboration.
At a Glance
- Taiwan’s allies in the U.S. and abroad are pushing for its inclusion in the WHO
- A California event highlighted Taiwan’s absence as a gap in global health efforts
- Taiwan has been excluded from the WHA since 2017 under pressure from Beijing
- U.S. lawmakers introduced the Taiwan International Solidarity Act to clarify Taiwan’s status
Taiwan Pushes for a Voice in Geneva
Taiwanese officials and community advocates gathered in Northern California on May 3 to demand Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO), arguing its absence undermines global health efforts. The event, held at the Culture Center of San Francisco’s Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Milpitas, underscored Taiwan’s intent to share its public health expertise ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), which convenes May 19–27 in Geneva.
Advocates pointed to Taiwan’s proven healthcare innovations, including its acclaimed pandemic response, as evidence of its potential contribution to international health systems. Since 2017, Taiwan has been barred from attending WHA meetings—an exclusion widely attributed to diplomatic pressure from China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory.
Watch a report: Taiwanese officials urge WHO to include Taiwan – NTD News.
Political Pressure Meets Legal Pushback
At the California press conference, speakers sharply criticized Beijing’s interpretation of U.N. Resolution 2758, which in 1971 recognized the People’s Republic of China as the legitimate representative of China in the United Nations. Jenny Guo of TECO stressed that the resolution “neither mentions Taiwan nor authorizes China to represent Taiwan in the WHO.” The same critique was leveled at WHA Resolution WHA25.1, which similarly omits any reference to Taiwan.
Community leader Sophia Chuang emphasized that “health is a fundamental human right,” adding that denying Taiwan a platform in the WHO politicizes an issue that should be globally inclusive. Her remarks echo mounting concerns that geopolitics is obstructing vital health cooperation.
U.S. Support Ramps Up
The U.S. Congress is actively backing Taiwan’s case through the Taiwan International Solidarity Act, also known as H.R.1176. The bill reaffirms that Resolution 2758 does not resolve Taiwan’s international status and aims to ensure the U.S. advocates for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the WHO and other global bodies. In 2022, former President Biden signed legislation mandating U.S. diplomatic support for Taiwan’s observer status at the WHO.
Despite a previous attempt by the Trump administration to withdraw from the WHO, the U.S. remains a full member and is expected to press Taiwan’s case during the upcoming WHA. Dr. Jiin T. Lin noted this as a critical window for progress, stating that Taiwan’s exclusion “is not only a health issue—it’s a global governance issue.”
