[Opinion] A Healthy Future of Unity with Taiwan

Liang Guangzhong, Representative of the Taipei Mission in Korea

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi held a trilateral foreign ministers' meeting in Germany on February 15, 2025 (local time), during the Munich Security Conference (MSC). In a joint statement, the three ministers expressed their support for "Taiwan's meaningful participation in relevant international organizations."

Taiwan has actively participated in global health issues and has worked to strengthen the world health system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan played a key role by providing medical supplies, engaging in technical cooperation, and sharing its experiences, establishing itself as a reliable partner for countries around the world.

Taiwan's experience in operating its national health insurance system will also serve as a valuable reference for the international community. Going forward, Taiwan plans to continue sharing its successful cases in universal health insurance, financial management, and digital health with other countries, thereby contributing to international efforts to achieve the World Health Organization (WHO)'s goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

In this rapidly changing era, health issues know no borders. Global cooperation is a key element in responding to various health crises. However, China has continuously distorted UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolution 25.1 to prevent Taiwan from participating in the WHO, the world's most important health cooperation system.

It is noteworthy that neither of these resolutions explicitly mentions Taiwan, nor do they state that Taiwan is part of China. Furthermore, these resolutions have never granted China the authority to represent Taiwan within the WHO.

To realize the core values of inclusiveness and universality pursued by the United Nations, Taiwan urges all stakeholders related to the WHO to recognize Taiwan's contributions to the global health system thus far.

The WHO should take active and practical steps to invite Taiwan to participate in the WHA, as well as in meetings, activities, and organizations led by the WHO, based on the principles of expertise and inclusiveness, with a more open and flexible attitude. In particular, it is necessary to ensure Taiwan's substantive participation in the ongoing negotiations on the WHO Pandemic Accord.

Taiwan earnestly hopes to work with the international community to create a healthy future without borders. Taiwan hopes that the international community will join in realizing the spirit of the WHO Constitution, which states that "health is a fundamental human right," and the vision of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is to "leave no one behind."

Liang Guangzhong, Representative of the Taipei Mission in Korea

*The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may differ from the editorial direction of Asia Economy.