The United States urged the World Health Organization on Wednesday to invite Taiwan to its annual assembly next week despite China's opposition, saying the Covid-19 pandemic requires universal cooperation.

The WHO's annual World Health Assembly meeting, scheduled for May 22-28, "is an opportunity to drive cooperation towards ending the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic and advancing global health and global health security," said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

"We strongly advocate for the WHO to invite Taiwan to participate as an observer and lend its expertise to the solution-seeking discussions," Blinken said in a statement.

Taiwan was blocked from attending the World Health Assembly as an observer in 2016 by China, which considers the island a renegade province.

The block came after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who refused to acknowledge the island is part of "one China."

"As we continue to fight Covid-19 and other emerging health threats, Taiwan's isolation from the preeminent global health forum is unwarranted and undermines inclusive global public health cooperation," Blinken said.

"We will continue to support Taiwan's membership in international organizations where statehood is not a requirement," he added.

Related Links
Taiwan News at SinoDaily.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Man attacked US church over 'hatred of Taiwan': probe
Los Angeles (AFP) May 17, 2022
A man who padlocked a church and opened fire on its Taiwanese-American congregation, killing one person and injuring five others, was motivated by hatred of the island and its people, US investigators said Monday. David Chou jammed the doors shut using chains and superglue as dozens of parishioners enjoyed a post-service banquet at the church in Laguna Woods, near Los Angeles. The 68-year-old, an American citizen, also hid bags containing Molotov cocktails and spare ammunition around the buildin ... read more