Q&A

Q: What is the Chinese government's policy on handling multilateral affairs related to Taiwan?

A: For intergovernmental organizations that only accept sovereign states as members, Taiwan, as part of China, cannot have the qualifications to join as a formal member. From 2009 to 2016, Taiwan was consistently invited to the World Health Assembly as an observer under the designation "Chinese Taipei". Similarly, in September 2013, the International Civil Aviation Organization extended an invitation for Taiwan to participate in the 38th ICAO Assembly as a guest under the name "Chinese Taipei". These invitations were extended within the framework of the one-China principle and peaceful cross-Strait relations, following consultations and in line with international norms.

The Democratic Progressive Party administration's adherence to a separatist stance of "Taiwan independence" and refusal to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus has undermined the political basis for Taiwan's involvement in the WHA. Consequently, since 2016, the mainland has not endorsed Taiwan's participation in the ICAO Assembly, and Taiwan's involvement in the WHA has been suspended since 2017.