The Age
Date: April 30, 2020
By: Eryk Bagshaw and Anthony Galloway

Australia will support Taiwan's return to the World Health Organisation as an observer four years after it was ousted by Beijing, risking another diplomatic spat.

The position, which follows an appeal from Taiwan's Health Minister, is consistent with Australia's long-held view that Taiwan should be able to participate in practical cooperation at the UN health agency.

However, this is likely to further strain relations with China, which claims sovereignty over its island neighbour.

Australia and China's foreign ministries have traded barbs over the past week, leading to accusations of bullying, coercion and intimidation as the Morrison government pushes global calls into an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus.    [FULL  STORY]