US discussing possible participation of Taiwan at WHO meeting
Officials from the US and Taiwan hold talks on increasing Taiwanese presence in the international scene, which could increase tensions with China.
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People wait to receive their Covid booster shot at the lobby of Taipei station, January 24, 2022 (Reuters)
Talks are being held between officials from the US and Taiwan on expanding Taiwan's international relations, with one example being the US pushing for Taiwan to be invited to a WHO meeting next month.
Taiwan had been excluded from most global organizations since the People's Republic of China (PRC) was recognized as the formal representative of China in international circles, and the Republic of China (Taiwan) left the UN by default in 1971. Since then, China has claimed Taiwan as one of its provinces, and the US recognized the PRC in 1978 as the government representing China as part of what came to be known as the One-China policy.
Taiwan has also pushed for inclusion into the WHO, claiming that its exclusion has hampered its efforts to fight Covid-19.
The US State Department said on Friday that the meeting with the de facto Taiwanese Ambassador to the US Hsiao Bi-Khim in Washington. "This discussion focused on opportunities for Taiwan's participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly in May and the possibilities for Taiwan's participation at the International Civil Aviation Organization," a statement read.
Chinese President Xi Jinping warned his US counterpart Joe Biden on March 19 that the Taiwan issue must be handled properly to avoid harming relations, according to Chinese media.
China claims that Taiwan is the most sensitive and crucial subject in its dealings with the United States and that it should be brought back into the fold by force if necessary.
Washington has no official diplomatic ties with Taipei but is Taiwan's major international patron and arms supplier.
