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China against new US move to help Taiwan join WHO

Updated: 2003-06-02 11:53

The Chinese Government strongly opposes the US president's signing of a motion adopted by the US Congress in support of Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization (WHO), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said on Saturday.

US President George W. Bush recently signed a motion adopted by the US Congress in support of Taiwan's participation in the WHO, but at the same time alleged the United States had not changed its one-China policy.

Zhang said the Chinese Government had repeatedly made solemn representations to the United States concerning the motion, and China was strongly opposed to its signing, she added.

Taiwan, as a part of China, is not eligible to join the WHO as a member or a quasi-member, she said.

It is not allowed to participate in any WHO activity as an observer, according to the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and the regulations of the WHO.

At the 56th World Health Assembly (WHA) that concluded recently, Taiwan failed in its seventh attempt to participate in the WHO, Zhang said. This demonstrated the common understanding and clear attitude of the international community on this issue.

The Chinese Government has been always concerned about the health of Taiwan compatriots and actively promotes exchanges and co-operation in the health sector across the Taiwan Straits, she added.