Taiwan as an Observer at the 77th World Health Assembly

New and existing threats to global health demand broad international cooperation. Beginning May 27, the World Health Organization (WHO) will hold its annual World Health Assembly (WHA) where Member State delegates and health experts from around the world will discuss priorities for advancing global health and global health security. Taiwan participated as an observer to the WHA from 2009 to 2016 without objection but has since been excluded from these meetings.

The United States strongly encourages the WHO to reinstate an invitation to Taiwan to participate as an observer at this year's WHA so the world may once again benefit from Taiwan's expertise and experience. Taiwan's exceptional capabilities and approaches offer considerable value to inform the WHA's deliberations. Time and again, Taiwan has demonstrated a capability and willingness to help address global health crises and support the global health community.

We commend the WHO for taking steps to engage Taiwan more meaningfully in its technical work over the past year and for improving lines of communication. Yet Taiwan's continued exclusion from this preeminent global health forum undermines inclusive global public health cooperation and security, which the world demands - and urgently needs. Inviting Taiwan to observe the WHA is a critically important step toward affirming the WHO's goal of "Health for All."

Our support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international fora is in line with our one China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances.