Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of May 19, President Tsai Ing-wen visited the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control to inspect the Central Epidemic Command Center, and personally invite representatives of front line personnel in the fight against COVID-19 to attend her inauguration ceremony on May 20. She also lodged a solemn protest against the World Health Organization (WHO) Secretariat, who succumbed to pressure yesterday, and once again refused to invite Taiwan to attend the World Health Assembly (WHA). She also emphasized that the WHO Secretariat may submit to political pressure, but Taiwan will not give up its right to take part in international affairs. We will continue working, she said, to raise Taiwan's international profile.

President Tsai emphasized that Taiwan's fight against COVID-19 has garnered worldwide attention, and after meeting domestic needs, Taiwan has also assisted the international community. We will continue to evaluate supply inventories and donate to countries in need, she said, which is our responsibility as a member of the international community.

Noting that the WHA is currently in session, the president stated that everyone saw the regrettable news yesterday that the WHO Secretariat, succumbing to pressure, had once again refused to invite Taiwan to attend the WHA. She then took the opportunity to lodge a solemn protest.

The president emphasized that political considerations should not override the human right to health. The whole world is well aware of Taiwan's performance in the fight against COVID-19. In addition to donating medical supplies, she said, we are also willing to share our experience and work together with other countries to fight the pandemic. Refusing to allow Taiwan to participate in the WHA for political reasons is not in the common interests of the international community.

The president went on to say that yesterday, we also saw how the United States and many other countries had expressed support for Taiwan's participation in the WHA, and she thanked them for their positive recognition of all Taiwan has done to combat the disease. The WHO Secretariat may submit to political pressure, but Taiwan will not give up its right to participate in international affairs. We will continue working, she said, to raise Taiwan's international profile.