Taiwan Unlikely to Receive WHA Invitation|獲邀WHA機會低 衛福部長: 努力到最後

Health and Welfare Minister Chen Shih-chung says it is unlikely Taiwan will get invited to the World Health Assembly as China is suppressing Taiwan in the global community. Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chen Ming-tong called on China to put itself in Taiwan's shoes and change its thinking. Chen says the only way there can be stable and prosperous cross-strait relations is if China understands the voice of the Taiwanese people. This year's World Health Assembly will open on May 21. Taiwan is not expected to receive an invitation. The one-China principle was proposed a long time ago. This kind of tone has been used over the long term, but their suppressive power is stronger than ever. I think we will fight until the end. Health and Welfare Minister Chen Shih-chung says Taiwan probably won't be invited, but government officials will travel to Geneva anyway to make Taiwan's voice heard. Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chen Ming-tong, meanwhile, criticized China. They need to change their perspective and understand the feelings of Taiwanese people. This is the only way the two sides of the Taiwan Strait can pursue a future of co-existence and co-prosperity. Chen told lawmakers that cross-strait relations affect trilateral relations with the U.S. He also said China's new Taiwan Tourism Law and Taiwan's absence at the WHA will affect cross-strait relations. In response, lawmakers called on the council to come up with countermeasures. On the one hand, we maintain that Taiwan has health-related human rights. Can you guarantee we will attend (the WHA) in May and uphold Taiwan's health-related human rights? Our attendance is justified. Secondly, minister, don't dodge the question. For cross-strait relations to improve, they shouldn't obstruct Taiwan's economic and health-related human rights. Don't develop a personality disorder or schizophrenia. Lawmakers also asked Chen to clarify his stance on the 1992 Consensus. Chen refused to answer, instead saying the name "1992 Consensus" is controversial in and of itself. Chen said as the minister of the Mainland Affairs Council, he can only act in accordance with the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, and he hopes the possibility of cross-strait dialogue can be reestablished.