Taiwan welcomes G7 support for 'meaningful participation' in WHO

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) – Taiwan on Thursday welcomed support from G7 countries regarding “meaningful participation” of the island nation in World Health Organization (WHO) forums and the World Health Assembly (WHA).

“G7 support for Taiwan meaningful participation in the WHO & WHA, as well as recognition of the country's successful contribution to combating COVID-19, is sincerely appreciated,” Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Twitter.

“We also welcome the G7 call for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait & in the region."

In a joint communique on Wednesday, the G7 foreign ministers, who met in London, said: “We support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in World Health Organization forums and the World Health Assembly. The international community should be able to benefit from the experience of all partners, including Taiwan’s successful contribution to the tackling of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Taiwan has been praised for its highly effective anti-virus response which included border controls, quarantines, contact tracing and wide availability of masks. With a population of nearly 24 million, it has reported only 1,173 cases and 13 deaths.

China considers Taiwan as its breakaway province, and opposes any official Taiwanese representation at an international level.

But Taipei has insisted to be independent since 1949, with full diplomatic relations with at least 16 nations and regions. Beijing has called out those seeking to "violate" its "One-China policy."