Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2018-05-21
The World Health Assembly began at Geneva on Monday. At a global press conference
Chen said it’s a mistake that WHO did not invite Taiwan to attend this year’s WHA. (CNA photo)
Taiwan’s health minister Chen Shih-chung said that Taiwan cannot be absent from the world’s health system. Chinese officials put the blame on the Democratic Progressive Party government.
Taiwan reporters were also blocked from entering the WHA venue. The foreign ministry strongly protested against this and called on the WHO to respect freedom of the press.
Chen also spoke about the need to keep Taiwan in the global health system at a welcome reception hosted by Taiwan a day earlier. On the eve of the World Health Assembly meeting, about 170 guests including representatives of Taiwan’s 19 allies were invited to a welcome reception by Taiwan. Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said that it was unjust for the WHA to reject Taiwan’s participation in the global assembly. He thanked allies for their support.
“You have helped us in many ways to right the WHO’s unjust and unreasonable exclusion and for that we are grateful,” said Chen. [FULL STORY]
