U.S. Vows Continued Support for Taiwan's WHO Participation Amidst Global Health Challenges

Despite Withdrawal, the United States Remains Committed to Taiwan's Role in Global Health Security

Washington, April 29 - The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for Taiwan's meaningful participation in the World Health Organization (WHO), a U.S. government spokesperson confirmed, despite the U.S.'s planned withdrawal from the global health body.

An unnamed State Department spokesperson emphasized Taiwan's status as a "reliable and capable partner" on the global stage, highlighting the significant benefits derived from its collaborations, particularly those aimed at enhancing global health security. The spokesperson underscored the U.S.'s ongoing efforts to support Taiwan's involvement in international organizations, including the WHO.

The U.S. has actively championed Taiwan's cause within the WHO, as demonstrated during the February round of WHO Executive Board meetings. The spokesperson noted the U.S.'s efforts to urge WHO member states to endorse Taiwan's meaningful participation, including its potential observer status at the World Health Assembly.

This position echoes the statement made by Jeffrey Hay, first secretary to the Permanent Mission of the United States of America to the U.N., during the 156th WHO Executive Board meeting on February 5th.

The State Department's comments were prompted by questions regarding the U.S.'s continued support for Taiwan's inclusion, either as an observer or participant, in the upcoming World Health Assembly, the WHO's primary decision-making forum scheduled for May 19-27 in Geneva.

The U.S. reiterated its steadfast backing of Taiwan's participation in the WHA, even with its planned official withdrawal from the WHO in January 2026, initiated by the Donald Trump administration.

The Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan's formal designation, left the WHO in 1972 following the decision to recognize the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legitimate representative of China.

Since that time, Taiwan's participation in the WHA has been hindered, with the exception of the period from 2009 to 2016, when relations with China were more cooperative. Since 2017, Taiwan, with the support of allies like the U.S., Japan, and the European Union, has been actively seeking to re-establish its presence at the WHA, but without success so far.