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Health minister defends WHA speech

Health and Welfare Minister Lin Tzou-yien

Health minister defends WHA speech

Health and Welfare Minister Lin Tzou-yien

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Health and Welfare Minister Lin Tzou-yien expressed sympathy Friday with the public over his failure to use the name ‘Taiwan’ during a speech at the World Health Assembly.
He made the statement at a news conference Friday morning after having briefed President Tsai Ing-wen about his stay in Geneva for the May 23-28 health conference.
Taiwan’s participation in the WHA was controversial this year because it coincided with the Tsai Administration’s swearing-in on May 20. In its invitation letter, the World Health Organization had insisted Taiwan use the term ‘Chinese Taipei’ and “respect the One China Principle,” a phrasing clearly inspired by Beijing.
Lin caused consternation with many Tsai supporters in Taiwan when a five-minute address to the WHA named ‘Chinese Taipei,’ but not Taiwan.
The largest possible national interest was the strategic aim of this year’s attendance at the WHA, Lin told the news conference at the Executive Yuan. The delegation followed the principles of professionalism, realism and readiness to contribute, he added, saying that under those circumstances, Taiwan’s participation had been respected.
Lin defended his use of the term ‘Chinese Taipei’ because it was Taiwan’s official name at the world health body, but he added that he understood why many people in the country felt bad.
The new minister added that he had handed in a letter of protest to the WHO about the phrasing of the invitation.
He also announced the formation of a special advisory group on WHA affairs. Tsai reportedly confirmed his view that Taiwan had not been the victim of unfair action at the Geneva event.