A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on Monday on the fact that the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) rejected the so-called proposal to "invite Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer" put forward by some countries.

The spokesperson stated that the General Committee and the Plenary Session of the 77th WHA respectively decided to reject the so-called proposal. This was the eighth consecutive year that the WHA rejected the so-called proposal regarding Taiwan. China's position on issues related to Taiwan at the WHA is widely understood and supported by the international community. More than 100 countries have explicitly expressed support for China's position by writing to the Director-General of the WHO and through other means. This fully demonstrates that the One China principle is where global opinion trends and the arc of history bend, and it should not be challenged.

The central Chinese government attaches great importance to the health and well-being of our compatriots in Taiwan, said the spokesperson. Medical and health experts from Taiwan can participate in WHO technical meetings under the prerequisite that the One China principle is upheld. Just last year, medical and technical experts from the Taiwan region participated in WHO technical activities 24 times, and all requests were approved by the central government. There is an International Health Regulations Contact Point in the Taiwan region to access and promptly report to the WHO information related to health emergencies. The Taiwan region has sufficient and unimpeded channels to participate in technical communication and cooperation with the WHO. There is no "gap" in global epidemic prevention efforts.

In comparison with the political maneuvering of a handful of countries that clamor for Taiwan's participation in the WHO, the central government's proper arrangement and concrete actions demonstrate real significance and sincerity for the subsistence and well-being of our compatriots in Taiwan, said the spokesperson.

"Once again, we would like to make it clear to the authorities of the Democratic Progressive Party: the international community's steadfast commitment to the One China principle is unshakable, and the trend of China's reunification should not be reversed. 'Taiwan independence' is contrary to the interests of our compatriots in Taiwan, and any attempt to seek 'Taiwan independence' by relying on external forces leads nowhere," said the spokesperson.

"We urge certain countries to stop distorting and challenging UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, to stop confusing and emptying the One China principle, to stop politicizing health issues, and to stop interfering in China's internal affairs by exploiting the Taiwan issue. Using Taiwan to contain China will only end in failure," said the spokesperson.

Diário do Povo