Japanese Prime Minister Abe Calls Taiwan's Absence at WHO Assembly 'Very Regrettable'

Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province, strongly opposes its bid for WHO observer status, considering it to be a violation of the "One China" principle. At the same time, the United States has repeatedly urged for Taiwan to be granted the status, accusing the WHO of a "lack of independence".

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has addressed the ongoing row concerning Taiwan's status at the World Health Organisation (WHO), stating it was "very regrettable" that the latter was not permitted to take part as an observer at the organisation's assembly last month.

The statement comes after the US in May sent a letter to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the issue, urging numerous countries, including Canada, Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand, Britain, and Japan, to make the organisation give Taiwan observer status.

The headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) are pictured during the World Health Assembly (WHA) following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Geneva, Switzerland, May 18, 2020

© REUTERS / DENIS BALIBOUSE

Washington claimed that the current stance of the institution could lead to a major health crisis in Taiwan amid the pandemic. According to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the hesitation on the matter also "damages the WHO's credibility and effectiveness".

Taiwan has so far reported 443 cases of the coronavirus and seven fatalities from the disease.

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