China reiterates one-China principle on island of Taiwan's WHA participation at Geneva briefing

The Chinese delegation to the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) made remarks on Saturday at a news conference in Geneva. Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland stated at the briefing that China's position on Taiwan island's participation in the WHA is consistent and clear—it must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle, a fundamental principle affirmed by UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and World Health Assembly Resolution 25.1.

Lei Haichao, minister of China's National Health Commission, Yu Yanhong, director of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and Xia Gang, deputy director of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, also attended the briefing.

For some time, most countries in the international community have reaffirmed their adherence to UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, firm support for the one-China principle, and opposition to Taiwan island's participation in the WHA, Chen said. Many nations have expressed understanding and support for China's stance by sending official letters to the WHA Director-General or issuing public statements.

Certain countries, however, have exploited the Taiwan question as a tool to contain China's development, manipulating the matter at the WHA—contrary to the original purpose of the assembly. The WHA has rejected Taiwan-related proposals for eight consecutive years. At this year's assembly, the international community is expected to once again make the correct judgment, Chen noted.