TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan has not yet received an invitation to attend the World Health Assembly, but as usual, it will send a delegation to Geneva, Health and Welfare Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) said Wednesday.

The World Health Organization holds its 78th annual session in Geneva May 19-27. On previous occasions, friendly nations and diplomatic allies have spoken out on behalf of Taiwan, but the country has been unable to attend for the past eight years due to pressure from China.

Chiu said that even if it was not invited, Taiwan would send a delegation as before to contact representatives of other countries and groups in the margins of the event, Radio Taiwan International reported. Taiwan usually also launches promotional campaigns in the media and organizes forums and news conferences about health issues.

The basic right to healthcare should not be restricted by political motives, Chiu said. Taiwan gained international support for its campaign after cooperating with other countries on masks and vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The minister emphasized how Taiwan used its high-quality healthcare to help many countries that needed its assistance, as it was willing to share and interact with the rest of the world. Even if Taiwan’s delegation is not allowed inside, the World Health Assembly will serve as a platform to showcase the country’s ability and willingness to provide high-level healthcare, Chiu said.