President Donald Trump attacked the United Nations health body as a Chinese "puppet" on Monday and confirmed he is considering slashing or cancelling US support.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-initiate-independent-evaluation-at-earliest-appropriate-moment-who-chief-on-coronavirus-pandemic-299468">Also read: Will initiate independent evaluation at earliest appropriate moment — WHO chief on coronavirus pandemic</a> 
 
"They're a puppet of China, they're China-centric to put it nicer," he said at the White House.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-always-transparent-about-coronavirus-says-president-xi-during-world-health-assembly-video-conference-299439">Also Read:&nbsp;China always transparent about coronavirus, says President Xi during video conference</a>

Trump said the United States pays around $450 million annually to the World Health Organization, the largest contribution of any country. Plans are being crafted to slash this because "we're not treated right."

"They gave us a lot of bad advice," he said of the WHO.

Trump spoke as the WHO held its first annual assembly since the pandemic swept the world after originating in China, causing massive economic disruption and killing 316,000 people -- close to a third of them in the United States.

Trump said China only pays about $40 million a year and one idea was for Washington to bring "our 450 down to 40," but "some people thought that was too much."

President Donald Trump attacked the United Nations health body as a Chinese "puppet" on Monday and confirmed he is considering slashing or cancelling US support.

President Donald Trump attacked the United Nations health body as a Chinese "puppet" on Monday and confirmed he is considering slashing or cancelling US support. Also read: Will initiate independent evaluation at earliest appropriate moment — WHO chief on coronavirus pandemic "They're a puppet of China, they're China-centric to put it nicer," he said at the White House. Also Read: China always transparent about coronavirus, says President Xi during video conference Trump said the United States pays around $450 million annually to the World Health Organization, the largest contribution of any country. Plans are being crafted to slash this because "we're not treated right." "They gave us a lot of bad advice," he said of the WHO. Trump spoke as the WHO held its first annual assembly since the pandemic swept the world after originating in China, causing massive economic disruption and killing 316,000 people -- close to a third of them in the United States. Trump said China only pays about $40 million a year and one idea was for Washington to bring "our 450 down to 40," but "some people thought that was too much."

World Health Organisation a 'puppet of China', Trump says as he mulls slashing US funding

Coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to revisit its position on many global issues, and participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA) forum&nbsp;scheduled next week, is one of them. WHA is the world's highest health policy-setting body, through which the World Health Organisation (WHO) is governed by its 194 member states. The main task of the WHA is to decide on main international policy frameworks related to global health, approve WHO work programmes and its budget, and pass international health resolutions. Its tasks, especially at the time of the pandemic, indicate that it has to globally inclusive; hence cannot be seen to be isolating a particular segment of humanity from its programmes and participation.&nbsp;

In the context of the above, Taiwan was invited on 28 April 2009 to participate in the WHA 2009 as an observer for the first time since losing its China seat in United Nations to People's Republic of China in 1971, despite ‘One China Policy’. In 2016, subsequent to democratic elections in Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen of DPP was sworn in as President. China was utterly uncomfortable with that applied political pressure on WHA. In May 2017, WHA succumbed to Chinese pressure to completely exclude Taiwan from its observer list. It was poor precedence in the history of WHA/UN.

What has changed Now?&nbsp;

Taiwan's success in combatting COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in global perception and US-led demand, supported by many nations for reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, despite China's reminder&nbsp;of &nbsp;‘One-China’ policy. Taiwan just off the coast of China was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China undergoing frequent travels. Considering the risk, having only 440 cases with seven deaths so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) established after the SARS outbreak, including border control (air and sea), efficient management of pandemic, resources, technological innovations and many other best practices, relevant for the world community. It has also dented Chinese narrative that an autocratic regime can handle the pandemic better than democracy. This has led to many countries expanding ties with Taiwan to bolster their own COVID-19 responses and recalibration of their Taiwan policy.&nbsp;

Global politics over health Issue&nbsp;

In March 2020, the US administration enacted Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act (TAIPEI Act), aimed at supporting Taiwan’s international presence. US is backing Taiwan’s “appropriate role” in the WHO, along with Japan, New Zealand, UK, Canada, Australia, France, many European and developing countries. Many countries are thankful to Taiwan for grant of much-needed resource assistance in combating pandemic, while many are collaborating in research and development, contact-tracing, and scientific engagements. This has further angered China, which is being increasingly seen as exploiting other countries during pandemic, by coercive adventurism in the strategic and military domain, besides profiteering out of pandemic. Many countries are also looking at WHA for consensus on asking for investigations regarding various aspects of the outbreak of COVID-19, delayed warnings, alleged slackness of WHO in a timely declaration of pandemic and ignoring Taiwan’s inputs, to prevent global reoccurrence.&nbsp;

Taiwan has own reasons to demand international participation, as a democratic society, having elected government, own constitution, own defence forces, own currency, strong economy with a population exceeding more than three-quarters of the world’s nations; and territory larger than two-fifths of the world’s nations. A recent survey has indicated that most Taiwanese want to identify themselves as Taiwanese and not Chinese and support closer ties with the US. A global consensus seems to be emerging for Taiwan’s access to the WHO and other multilateral agencies, much against Chinese opposition.&nbsp;

What should India do?&nbsp;

India, ready to take over as the chairperson of the WHO’s executive decision making body at the end of May, needs to take a stand on whether to support the US-led multinational demand of reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, or listen to Chinese argument of ‘One China Policy’. Taiwan is an important partner in the global fight against the pandemic, besides being an important potential commercial and technological investor. Its donation of about one million surgical masks to help India during pandemic should not be ignored. Strategically, most strategic partners/Quad members seem convinced about Taiwan’s re-entry into WHA, a fact which India cannot overlook. In my opinion, India must set aside global politics and take a moral position for Taiwan to be in WHA to share its best practices, in view of the unprecedented global pandemic requiring entire humanity to be together to combat COVID-19.

Likely outcome&nbsp;

Despite all the efforts of the global community for Taiwan’s reentry as an observer in WHA, it may still not materialise due to technical reasons, as WHO could insist on approval from all its 194 members, before it can send out an invitation to Taiwan, which may not be possible. The demand for medical investigation might remain restricted to ‘Investigation by WHO’, which is unlikely to yield any result because of the high possibility of destruction of evidence.&nbsp;It will, therefore, build up a strong case in support of Taiwan by the global community, thereby putting pressure on China for the future.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to revisit its position on many global issues, and participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA) forum scheduled next week, is one of them.

Coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to revisit its position on many global issues, and participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA) forum scheduled next week, is one of them. WHA is the world's highest health policy-setting body, through which the World Health Organisation (WHO) is governed by its 194 member states. The main task of the WHA is to decide on main international policy frameworks related to global health, approve WHO work programmes and its budget, and pass international health resolutions. Its tasks, especially at the time of the pandemic, indicate that it has to globally inclusive; hence cannot be seen to be isolating a particular segment of humanity from its programmes and participation. In the context of the above, Taiwan was invited on 28 April 2009 to participate in the WHA 2009 as an observer for the first time since losing its China seat in United Nations to People's Republic of China in 1971, despite ‘One China Policy’. In 2016, subsequent to democratic elections in Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen of DPP was sworn in as President. China was utterly uncomfortable with that applied political pressure on WHA. In May 2017, WHA succumbed to Chinese pressure to completely exclude Taiwan from its observer list. It was poor precedence in the history of WHA/UN. What has changed Now? Taiwan's success in combatting COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in global perception and US-led demand, supported by many nations for reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, despite China's reminder of ‘One-China’ policy. Taiwan just off the coast of China was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China undergoing frequent travels. Considering the risk, having only 440 cases with seven deaths so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) established after the SARS outbreak, including border control (air and sea), efficient management of pandemic, resources, technological innovations and many other best practices, relevant for the world community. It has also dented Chinese narrative that an autocratic regime can handle the pandemic better than democracy. This has led to many countries expanding ties with Taiwan to bolster their own COVID-19 responses and recalibration of their Taiwan policy. Global politics over health Issue In March 2020, the US administration enacted Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act (TAIPEI Act), aimed at supporting Taiwan’s international presence. US is backing Taiwan’s “appropriate role” in the WHO, along with Japan, New Zealand, UK, Canada, Australia, France, many European and developing countries. Many countries are thankful to Taiwan for grant of much-needed resource assistance in combating pandemic, while many are collaborating in research and development, contact-tracing, and scientific engagements. This has further angered China, which is being increasingly seen as exploiting other countries during pandemic, by coercive adventurism in the strategic and military domain, besides profiteering out of pandemic. Many countries are also looking at WHA for consensus on asking for investigations regarding various aspects of the outbreak of COVID-19, delayed warnings, alleged slackness of WHO in a timely declaration of pandemic and ignoring Taiwan’s inputs, to prevent global reoccurrence. Taiwan has own reasons to demand international participation, as a democratic society, having elected government, own constitution, own defence forces, own currency, strong economy with a population exceeding more than three-quarters of the world’s nations; and territory larger than two-fifths of the world’s nations. A recent survey has indicated that most Taiwanese want to identify themselves as Taiwanese and not Chinese and support closer ties with the US. A global consensus seems to be emerging for Taiwan’s access to the WHO and other multilateral agencies, much against Chinese opposition. What should India do? India, ready to take over as the chairperson of the WHO’s executive decision making body at the end of May, needs to take a stand on whether to support the US-led multinational demand of reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, or listen to Chinese argument of ‘One China Policy’. Taiwan is an important partner in the global fight against the pandemic, besides being an important potential commercial and technological investor. Its donation of about one million surgical masks to help India during pandemic should not be ignored. Strategically, most strategic partners/Quad members seem convinced about Taiwan’s re-entry into WHA, a fact which India cannot overlook. In my opinion, India must set aside global politics and take a moral position for Taiwan to be in WHA to share its best practices, in view of the unprecedented global pandemic requiring entire humanity to be together to combat COVID-19. Likely outcome Despite all the efforts of the global community for Taiwan’s reentry as an observer in WHA, it may still not materialise due to technical reasons, as WHO could insist on approval from all its 194 members, before it can send out an invitation to Taiwan, which may not be possible. The demand for medical investigation might remain restricted to ‘Investigation by WHO’, which is unlikely to yield any result because of the high possibility of destruction of evidence. It will, therefore, build up a strong case in support of Taiwan by the global community, thereby putting pressure on China for the future. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why does India need to back Taiwan’s reentry to the World Health Assembly?

Just hours after US President shot a letter to the World Health Organization accusing it of praising China's efforts to contain the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-worldwide-cases-near-49-million-death-toll-at-318465-299544">virus</a>, the Chinese foreign ministry said the "open letter is full of hints, 'perhaps', and 'maybes', and tries to use specious methods to mislead the public."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-threatens-to-permanently-pull-funding-from-who-299568">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump threatens to permanently pull funding from WHO</a>

"The US tries to use China as an issue to shirk responsibility and bargain over its international obligations to the WHO. This is a miscalculation and the US has picked the wrong target," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said.

The United States has become the epicenter of the virus with over 90,000 deaths and over 1.4 million infections. US President had earlier accused the WHO of having a "China bias" even as he had stopped funding to the UN health body.

In the letter, Trump told the WHO that it was "curiously insistent" on praising China for its alleged "transparency" while adding that "notwithstanding that China has been anything but transparent".

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This is the letter sent to Dr. Tedros of the World Health Organization. It is self-explanatory! <a href="https://t.co/pF2kzPUpDv">pic.twitter.com/pF2kzPUpDv</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1262577580718395393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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China's foreign ministry said the Trump administration was trying to "achieve the goals of smearing China’s anti-virus efforts, and shirk responsibility for the United States' own insufficient response."

Trump called the WHO a &nbsp;"puppet of China" as he sent the letter to chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus threatening to permanently freeze funding to the WHO.

The US president in the letter said that WHO has "failed to publicly call on China to allow for an independent investigation into the origins of the virus, despite the recent endorsement for doing so by its own emergency committee."

"The only way forward for the WHO is if it can actually demonstrate independence from China," the US President said, while concluding that "my administration has already started discussions with you on how to reform the organization, but action is needed quickly, we do not have time to waste."

Just hours after US President shot a letter to the World Health Organization accusing it of praising China's efforts to contain the virus, the Chinese foreign ministry said the "open letter is full of hints, 'perhaps', and 'maybes', and tries to use specious methods to mislead the public.

Just hours after US President shot a letter to the World Health Organization accusing it of praising China's efforts to contain the virus, the Chinese foreign ministry said the "open letter is full of hints, 'perhaps', and 'maybes', and tries to use specious methods to mislead the public." Also Read: Trump threatens to permanently pull funding from WHO "The US tries to use China as an issue to shirk responsibility and bargain over its international obligations to the WHO. This is a miscalculation and the US has picked the wrong target," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. The United States has become the epicenter of the virus with over 90,000 deaths and over 1.4 million infections. US President had earlier accused the WHO of having a "China bias" even as he had stopped funding to the UN health body. In the letter, Trump told the WHO that it was "curiously insistent" on praising China for its alleged "transparency" while adding that "notwithstanding that China has been anything but transparent". This is the letter sent to Dr. Tedros of the World Health Organization. It is self-explanatory! pic.twitter.com/pF2kzPUpDv — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2020 × China's foreign ministry said the Trump administration was trying to "achieve the goals of smearing China’s anti-virus efforts, and shirk responsibility for the United States' own insufficient response." Trump called the WHO a "puppet of China" as he sent the letter to chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus threatening to permanently freeze funding to the WHO. The US president in the letter said that WHO has "failed to publicly call on China to allow for an independent investigation into the origins of the virus, despite the recent endorsement for doing so by its own emergency committee." "The only way forward for the WHO is if it can actually demonstrate independence from China," the US President said, while concluding that "my administration has already started discussions with you on how to reform the organization, but action is needed quickly, we do not have time to waste."

US trying to shirk responsibility, smearing our anti-virus effort: China on Trump's attack on WHO

Countries across the world are now carrying massive disinfection drive and are developing disinfection chambers to fight Coronavirus. However, the World Health Organisation does not agree with this drive. Watch report.

Countries carry out disinfection drive: WHO issues warnings against disinfection

62 nations are pushing a probe into the COVID-19 origin and India has formally articulated its stand. It has backed the call to conduct an impartial and comprehensive investigation.

India calls for impartial probe on COVID-19 origin

World Health Organisation's World Health Assembly will be held on May 18 virtually but China is blocking Taiwan's participation. Will Taiwan be allowed to participate in the meeting after all the island nation has contributed a lot to the world on raising COVID-19 awareness. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Will Taiwan participate in WHO meeting?

Taiwan has not been allowed to attend the WHA meeting and there is no invitation sent to the country from WHO. Taiwan has slammed China, WHO, and said that WHO has yielded to China and refused to invite Taiwan. It has acted against global support for Taiwan. Watch report.

Taiwan: China can pressure campaign, No invite from WHO to Taiwan for WHA

In some breaking news coming in Taiwan has not been allowed to attend WHA meeting. Taiwan said that WHO has yielded to China and refused to invite Taiwan. Watch report.

Breaking News:Taiwan not invited to WHA meeting by WHO

India is among 62 nations who have moved a draft resolution demanding evaluation of the World Health Organisation (WHO)`s response towards the novel coronavirus pandemic.

India is among 62 nations who have moved a draft resolution demanding evaluation of the World Health Organisation (WHO)`s response towards the novel coronavirus pandemic. The European Union-led draft resolution on global COVID-19 response is set to be tabled at the upcoming World Health Assembly on Monday. The draft resolution demands initiation "at the earliest appropriate moment to review experience gained and lessons learned from the WHO-coordinated international health response to COVID-19". "We are deeply concerned by the morbidity and mortality caused by COVID-19 pandemic, the negative impacts on physical and mental health and social well-being, the negative impacts on economy and society and the consequent exacerbation of inequalities within and between countries," read the draft. "We express solidarity to all countries affected by the pandemic, as well as condolences and sympathy to all the families of the victims of COVID-19," it added. The resolution says timelines are to be evaluated regarding "recommendations the WHO made to improve global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capacity". The global health body has come under criticism not just from the US for its response being "China-centric".

India among 62-nation seeking probe into WHO's COVID-19 response

India has backed the Australia-EU draft to be adopted at the World Health Organisation's (WHO) World Health Assembly (WHA) -- which will start on Monday.

India is among the 62 countries backing the draft which calls for "impartial, independent and comprehensive" probe into the coronavirus crisis.

The draft says, "Initiate, at the earliest appropriate moment, and in consultation with Member States, stepwise process of impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation, including using existing mechanisms, as appropriate, to review experience gained and lessons learned from theWHO-coordinated international health response to COVID-19, including (i) the effectiveness of the mechanisms at WHO’s disposal."

The draft resolution is backed by Albania, Australia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Mozambique, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Moldova, Russia, San Marino , Sierra Leone, South Africa, EU, Turkey, Ukraine, UK and Zambia.

The meeting will take place virtually and India's health minister will represent the country. He is expected to address the meet at 3.30 pm IST.&nbsp;

WHO's WHA is the top body of the UN organ and is made up of health ministers.

The meeting this year has assumed significance due to the coronavirus crisis. But Taiwan's participation in the meet is another issue that is getting the limelight.&nbsp;

China, which considers Taiwan as its part, has not allowed it to participate as a country and voting will hence decide whether it should or should not.

While New Delhi is yet to take a position, Taiwan's envoy to India, Chung-Kwang Tien, in an exclusive conversation with WION, said that as a "valued partner", India will "appreciate Taiwan's rights" on participation at the WHA meet which is the "shared aspiration of the people of Taiwan".

"Participating in WHO is the common aspiration of all people of Taiwan. &nbsp;I would like to expresses sincere appreciation for the unprecedented level of support extended to Taiwan’s campaign for participation in the World Health Organization by diplomatic allies and like-minded nations," he added.

India will take over the Chair of the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation after its annual meeting later this month.

India has backed the Australia-EU draft to be adopted at the World Health Organisation's (WHO) World Health Assembly (WHA) -- which will start on Monday. India is among the 62 countries backing the draft which calls for "impartial, independent and comprehensive" probe into the coronavirus crisis.

India has backed the Australia-EU draft to be adopted at the World Health Organisation's (WHO) World Health Assembly (WHA) -- which will start on Monday. India is among the 62 countries backing the draft which calls for "impartial, independent and comprehensive" probe into the coronavirus crisis. The draft says, "Initiate, at the earliest appropriate moment, and in consultation with Member States, stepwise process of impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation, including using existing mechanisms, as appropriate, to review experience gained and lessons learned from theWHO-coordinated international health response to COVID-19, including (i) the effectiveness of the mechanisms at WHO’s disposal." The draft resolution is backed by Albania, Australia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Mozambique, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Moldova, Russia, San Marino , Sierra Leone, South Africa, EU, Turkey, Ukraine, UK and Zambia. The meeting will take place virtually and India's health minister will represent the country. He is expected to address the meet at 3.30 pm IST. WHO's WHA is the top body of the UN organ and is made up of health ministers. The meeting this year has assumed significance due to the coronavirus crisis. But Taiwan's participation in the meet is another issue that is getting the limelight. China, which considers Taiwan as its part, has not allowed it to participate as a country and voting will hence decide whether it should or should not. While New Delhi is yet to take a position, Taiwan's envoy to India, Chung-Kwang Tien, in an exclusive conversation with WION, said that as a "valued partner", India will "appreciate Taiwan's rights" on participation at the WHA meet which is the "shared aspiration of the people of Taiwan". "Participating in WHO is the common aspiration of all people of Taiwan. I would like to expresses sincere appreciation for the unprecedented level of support extended to Taiwan’s campaign for participation in the World Health Organization by diplomatic allies and like-minded nations," he added. India will take over the Chair of the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation after its annual meeting later this month.

India backs Australia-EU draft at WHO's world health meet

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a draft resolution which calls for 'impartial, independent and comprehensive' probe into the coronavirus pandemic. India is backing the demand for probe into COVID-19 pandemic.

India backs demand for probe into COVID-19 pandemic

World Health Organisation's World Health Assembly will be held on Monday virtually but China is blocking Taiwan's participation. Watch this video to know more.

Taiwan seeks observer status vote in W.H.A, China oposes

Over 4.5 million people have been confirmed to be COVID-19 positive in the world so far. Of these, 1.7 million have recovered and over 300,000 have passed away.

Disinfectants unable to cover all surfaces to kill virus

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization and ignited a diplomatic row between China and some Western powers.

Led by the United States, a growing number of countries are calling for Taiwan to either be allowed into the WHO, or be given observer status.

The spat is likely to worsen at next week's World Health Assembly -- the WHO's annual policy making meeting -- which is gathering virtually because of the virus outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-indias-support-for-taiwans-who-membership-can-rattle-china-298744">Also read:&nbsp;How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China</a>

Why is Taiwan shut out?

Taiwan -- officially the Republic of China -- was a founding member of the WHO when the global health body was created in 1948. But it was expelled in 1972 a year after losing the "China" seat at the United Nations to the People's Republic of China.

The two sides have been ruled separately since 1949 after the Nationalists lost a civil war to the Communists and fled to Taiwan to set up a rival government. Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

It balks at any international recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign nation and in recent years has ramped up economic, diplomatic and military pressure on the island.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-tsmc-plans-to-build-chip-plant-in-arizona-amid-us-china-rivalry-298838">Also read:&nbsp;Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry</a>

Keeping it shut out of international bodies like the WHO is part of that campaign.

Was it always this way? No. Between 2009 and 2016 Beijing allowed Taiwan to attend the WHA as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei".

At the time, relations between Taipei and Beijing were warmer. Things turned frosty with the election of current president Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. She hails from a party that views Taiwan as a de facto independent nation and doesn't subscribe to Beijing's idea that it belongs to a "one China".

Taipei found little diplomatic support for its calls to be included but the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed that. China has found itself scrutinised for its initial response to the outbreak and allegations its authoritarian government made the global spread worse.

In contrast, democratic Taiwan has been praised as a model for how to handle the outbreak -- with only seven deaths and 433 infections.

Why does Taiwan's exclusion matter?

Taiwan and its supporters argue it is unfair to exclude 23 million Taiwanese from the world's health body, especially during such a huge health crisis. They also say global leaders and doctors could learn from the island's expertise in combating the virus.

"No one should be treated as an orphan in the health network that the WHA should look after," Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen, a US-trained epidemiologist, told reporters on Thursday.

"The WHO attaches too much importance to politics and forgets about its professionalism and neutrality," he added.

Taiwan's exclusion has also raised questions about Beijing's influence over the WHO.

This week the Trump administration accused the WHO of opting to "choose politics over public health" by being overly deferential to China.

What does the WHO say?

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said Taiwan's participation can only be decided by member states with the consent of "the relevant government" -- a reference to Beijing.

He rejects the notion that the body has been too deferential to Beijing under his tenure.

WHO officials say they are in regular contact with Taiwan and that Taiwanese officials are often included in technical meetings.

Taiwan has countered that it was previously invited to attend the WHA "at the discretion" of the then director general.

It says Tedros has a public health obligation to stand up to Beijing's blacklisting of the island.

The WHO later said an invite can be given by Tedros if a consensus existed between member states, which it does not.

Will Taiwan have its way? It's highly unlikely.

Only 15 nations still recognise Taiwan over China, most of them economic minnows in Latin America and the Pacific.

Few of the 194 countries within the WHO will want to stoke Beijing's anger -- a 2007 bid by Taiwan to seek membership was comprehensively defeated.

But any recognition of Taiwan's de facto sovereign nation status is seen as a win for Taipei and a blow for Beijing.

And it is here that Taiwan has seen significant success during the coronavirus pandemic.

In the last few weeks Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand have joined the US in publicly calling for Taiwan to be given observer status at the WHA.

That has infuriated Beijing. It has accused Western governments of using Taiwan as a wedge issue to distract from their own shortcomings in fighting the outbreak.

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization and ignited a diplomatic row between China and some Western powers.

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization and ignited a diplomatic row between China and some Western powers. Led by the United States, a growing number of countries are calling for Taiwan to either be allowed into the WHO, or be given observer status. The spat is likely to worsen at next week's World Health Assembly -- the WHO's annual policy making meeting -- which is gathering virtually because of the virus outbreak. Also read: How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China Why is Taiwan shut out? Taiwan -- officially the Republic of China -- was a founding member of the WHO when the global health body was created in 1948. But it was expelled in 1972 a year after losing the "China" seat at the United Nations to the People's Republic of China. The two sides have been ruled separately since 1949 after the Nationalists lost a civil war to the Communists and fled to Taiwan to set up a rival government. Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. It balks at any international recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign nation and in recent years has ramped up economic, diplomatic and military pressure on the island. Also read: Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry Keeping it shut out of international bodies like the WHO is part of that campaign. Was it always this way? No. Between 2009 and 2016 Beijing allowed Taiwan to attend the WHA as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei". At the time, relations between Taipei and Beijing were warmer. Things turned frosty with the election of current president Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. She hails from a party that views Taiwan as a de facto independent nation and doesn't subscribe to Beijing's idea that it belongs to a "one China". Taipei found little diplomatic support for its calls to be included but the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed that. China has found itself scrutinised for its initial response to the outbreak and allegations its authoritarian government made the global spread worse. In contrast, democratic Taiwan has been praised as a model for how to handle the outbreak -- with only seven deaths and 433 infections. Why does Taiwan's exclusion matter? Taiwan and its supporters argue it is unfair to exclude 23 million Taiwanese from the world's health body, especially during such a huge health crisis. They also say global leaders and doctors could learn from the island's expertise in combating the virus. "No one should be treated as an orphan in the health network that the WHA should look after," Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen, a US-trained epidemiologist, told reporters on Thursday. "The WHO attaches too much importance to politics and forgets about its professionalism and neutrality," he added. Taiwan's exclusion has also raised questions about Beijing's influence over the WHO. This week the Trump administration accused the WHO of opting to "choose politics over public health" by being overly deferential to China. What does the WHO say? WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said Taiwan's participation can only be decided by member states with the consent of "the relevant government" -- a reference to Beijing. He rejects the notion that the body has been too deferential to Beijing under his tenure. WHO officials say they are in regular contact with Taiwan and that Taiwanese officials are often included in technical meetings. Taiwan has countered that it was previously invited to attend the WHA "at the discretion" of the then director general. It says Tedros has a public health obligation to stand up to Beijing's blacklisting of the island. The WHO later said an invite can be given by Tedros if a consensus existed between member states, which it does not. Will Taiwan have its way? It's highly unlikely. Only 15 nations still recognise Taiwan over China, most of them economic minnows in Latin America and the Pacific. Few of the 194 countries within the WHO will want to stoke Beijing's anger -- a 2007 bid by Taiwan to seek membership was comprehensively defeated. But any recognition of Taiwan's de facto sovereign nation status is seen as a win for Taipei and a blow for Beijing. And it is here that Taiwan has seen significant success during the coronavirus pandemic. In the last few weeks Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand have joined the US in publicly calling for Taiwan to be given observer status at the WHA. That has infuriated Beijing. It has accused Western governments of using Taiwan as a wedge issue to distract from their own shortcomings in fighting the outbreak.

Explainer: Why is Taiwan excluded from the WHO

In two days' time all eyes will be on India as the world health assembly kicks off on Monday.

In normal circumstances it would have been the annual gathering of the world's highest body that sets health policy, however, this time, it is being tracked closely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The world wants accountability and solutions and focus will be on India since the country will take over as chair of the WHO executive board - the highest decision making body of the WHO.

India will lead the executive board for three years and on Monday it will have to pick a side. There will be a vote on Monday and India will have to make its position clear.

The vote will be on Taiwan's inclusion in the WHO. Taiwan has been campaigning to attend the world health assembly with China opposing it, however, many countries now support Taiwan but&nbsp;India is keeping its cards close to its chest at the same time Delhi is in talks with the bloc that's backing Taiwan.

Foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has participated in at least seven group calls. He has been speaking to his counterparts in the US, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Vietnam since March 20 once every week.

Four out of these seven nations have been backing Taiwan along with the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. They have signed a demarche asking the WHO to allow Taiwan's return as an observer with other countries who have signed the demarche including Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

So far, India has stuck to the "One-China" policy but&nbsp;New Delhi has several reasons to shift its long-standing position.

Firstly, a look at the list of countries that back the demarche on Taiwan shows at least four countries - the United States, Japan, Germany and Australia as top trading partners of China but they are willing to take a stand despite the risk of repercussions. Beijing says this bloc is trying to "kidnap" the world health assembly but India shouldn't fall for the rhetoric from Beijing.

India must back Taiwan in its own national interest. At a time, when faulty Chinese supplies pushed back India's fight against the pandemic, Taiwan's support has been steady. It donated one million masks for medical personnel in India. The other reason why India must back Taiwan is China's repeated violations of India's sovereignty.

The border violations and&nbsp;the repeated attempts to block Indian initiatives at the United Nations just to keep Pakistan happy. On Monday, the world health assembly will hold a vote on whether Taiwan should be allowed as an observer at the WHO, India's vote could very well decide the fate of Taiwan.

In two days' time all eyes will be on India as the world health assembly kicks off on Monday. In normal circumstances it would have been the annual gathering of the world's highest body that sets health policy, however, this time, it is being tracked closely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In two days' time all eyes will be on India as the world health assembly kicks off on Monday. In normal circumstances it would have been the annual gathering of the world's highest body that sets health policy, however, this time, it is being tracked closely due to the coronavirus pandemic. The world wants accountability and solutions and focus will be on India since the country will take over as chair of the WHO executive board - the highest decision making body of the WHO. India will lead the executive board for three years and on Monday it will have to pick a side. There will be a vote on Monday and India will have to make its position clear. The vote will be on Taiwan's inclusion in the WHO. Taiwan has been campaigning to attend the world health assembly with China opposing it, however, many countries now support Taiwan but India is keeping its cards close to its chest at the same time Delhi is in talks with the bloc that's backing Taiwan. Foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has participated in at least seven group calls. He has been speaking to his counterparts in the US, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Vietnam since March 20 once every week. Four out of these seven nations have been backing Taiwan along with the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. They have signed a demarche asking the WHO to allow Taiwan's return as an observer with other countries who have signed the demarche including Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. So far, India has stuck to the "One-China" policy but New Delhi has several reasons to shift its long-standing position. Firstly, a look at the list of countries that back the demarche on Taiwan shows at least four countries - the United States, Japan, Germany and Australia as top trading partners of China but they are willing to take a stand despite the risk of repercussions. Beijing says this bloc is trying to "kidnap" the world health assembly but India shouldn't fall for the rhetoric from Beijing. India must back Taiwan in its own national interest. At a time, when faulty Chinese supplies pushed back India's fight against the pandemic, Taiwan's support has been steady. It donated one million masks for medical personnel in India. The other reason why India must back Taiwan is China's repeated violations of India's sovereignty. The border violations and the repeated attempts to block Indian initiatives at the United Nations just to keep Pakistan happy. On Monday, the world health assembly will hold a vote on whether Taiwan should be allowed as an observer at the WHO, India's vote could very well decide the fate of Taiwan.

WHO's decision making body to meet with all eyes on India

Taiwan's Health Minister,&nbsp;Chen Shih-chung has rejected China's primary condition for its participation in the World Health Organization (WHO).

China had asked Taiwan to accept that&nbsp;''it is part of China'', ahead of WHO’s World Health Assembly, which gets under way online on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-indias-support-for-taiwans-who-membership-can-rattle-china-298744" hreflang="en">How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China</a>

China's foreign ministry said on thursday that Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party refused to do this, and so the political foundation for Taiwan's WHO&nbsp;participation had "ceased to exist".

Speaking at a news conference in Taipei to press home Taiwan's desire to take part, Cheng&nbsp;said there was no way Taiwan would do this.

"I&nbsp;have no way to accept something which does not exist," he&nbsp;said, adding That taiwan would not give up efforts to attend the health assembly, even though it has not received an invitation.

While China&nbsp;says it has the right to represent Taiwan on the international stage, Taiwan says that only its democratically elected government can speak for the island's 23 million people.

"We can represent our own people," Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Kelly Hsieh told the same news conference in taipei. "We hope the who can set aside political considerations, and be neutral and professional."

Non-who member Taiwan has lobbied to take part as an observer in the meeting,&nbsp;drawing strong objections from Beijing, which considers Taiwan to be one of its provinces.

The issue has taken on broader diplomatic significance thanks to the strong support &nbsp;the United States, European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are supporting Taiwan's presence despite&nbsp;China's warnings.

Taiwan says the coronavirus pandemic has made it more urgent than ever that it be allowed proper access to the WHO. 
 
&nbsp;

Taiwan's Health Minister, Chen Shih-chung has rejected China's primary condition for its participation in the World Health Organization (WHO). China had asked Taiwan to accept that ''it is part of China'', ahead of WHO’s World Health Assembly, which gets under way online on Monday.

Taiwan's Health Minister, Chen Shih-chung has rejected China's primary condition for its participation in the World Health Organization (WHO). China had asked Taiwan to accept that ''it is part of China'', ahead of WHO’s World Health Assembly, which gets under way online on Monday. Also read: How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China China's foreign ministry said on thursday that Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party refused to do this, and so the political foundation for Taiwan's WHO participation had "ceased to exist". Speaking at a news conference in Taipei to press home Taiwan's desire to take part, Cheng said there was no way Taiwan would do this. "I have no way to accept something which does not exist," he said, adding That taiwan would not give up efforts to attend the health assembly, even though it has not received an invitation. While China says it has the right to represent Taiwan on the international stage, Taiwan says that only its democratically elected government can speak for the island's 23 million people. "We can represent our own people," Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Kelly Hsieh told the same news conference in taipei. "We hope the who can set aside political considerations, and be neutral and professional." Non-who member Taiwan has lobbied to take part as an observer in the meeting, drawing strong objections from Beijing, which considers Taiwan to be one of its provinces. The issue has taken on broader diplomatic significance thanks to the strong support the United States, European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are supporting Taiwan's presence despite China's warnings. Taiwan says the coronavirus pandemic has made it more urgent than ever that it be allowed proper access to the WHO.

Taiwan rejects China's primary condition for WHO participation

The World Health Organisation has warned that coronavirus may never go away and the people will have to learn to live with it.

WHO: Coronavirus may never go away

As various countries are ready to resume their daily lives and save the crippling economy, World Health Organization has said that the coronavirus is here to stay.

"This virus may become just another endemic virus in our communities and this virus may never go away," Michael Ryan, the WHO's emergencies director,&nbsp;told a virtual press conference in Geneva.

"HIV has not gone away -- but we have come to terms with the virus," he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-coronavirus-takes-more-than-294000-lives-worldwide-298523/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-putting-nations-at-risk-by-excluding-taiwan-from-knowledge-sharing-us-report-298412">Also read:&nbsp;WHO putting nations at risk by excluding Taiwan from knowledge sharing: US report</a>

The virus, which has infected more than 4.2 million people globally, is something that the humans might have to learn to live with. Due to the spread of coronavirus, a lot of countries were out under lockdown. However, as the economies suffered and took a great fall, some countries are now hoping to lift the lockdown and save their economy.

However, WHO says there is no guarantee whether lifting the lockdown will start a fresh wave of coronavirus or not.&nbsp;As the risks are high, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus&nbsp;still wants countries to be on a high alert against the virus.

Ryan also expressed concern over the growing violent attacks on the healthcare workers. "COVID-19 is bringing out the best in us, but it's also bringing out some of the worst. People feel empowered to take out their frustrations on individuals who are purely trying to help. These are senseless acts of violence and discrimination that must be resisted," he said

As various countries are ready to resume their daily lives and save the crippling economy, World Health Organization has said that the coronavirus is here to stay.

As various countries are ready to resume their daily lives and save the crippling economy, World Health Organization has said that the coronavirus is here to stay. "This virus may become just another endemic virus in our communities and this virus may never go away," Michael Ryan, the WHO's emergencies director, told a virtual press conference in Geneva. "HIV has not gone away -- but we have come to terms with the virus," he added. Also read: WHO putting nations at risk by excluding Taiwan from knowledge sharing: US report The virus, which has infected more than 4.2 million people globally, is something that the humans might have to learn to live with. Due to the spread of coronavirus, a lot of countries were out under lockdown. However, as the economies suffered and took a great fall, some countries are now hoping to lift the lockdown and save their economy. However, WHO says there is no guarantee whether lifting the lockdown will start a fresh wave of coronavirus or not. As the risks are high, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus still wants countries to be on a high alert against the virus. Ryan also expressed concern over the growing violent attacks on the healthcare workers. "COVID-19 is bringing out the best in us, but it's also bringing out some of the worst. People feel empowered to take out their frustrations on individuals who are purely trying to help. These are senseless acts of violence and discrimination that must be resisted," he said

Just like HIV, coronavirus may never go away: WHO expert warns

The World Health Organization (WHO) has "forgotten" its professionalism and neutrality in locking Taiwan out of the body for political reasons, Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen said on Thursday.

Taiwan says China and the WHO have conspired for political purposes to keep it out of key meetings, that the WHO has not responded to requests for coronavirus information and has misreported the number of its infections.

The WHO and China have strongly dispute the accusations, saying Taiwan has been given all the help it needed, but that only China, which claims democratic Taiwan as one of its provinces, has the right to fully represent it in the WHO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-president-xi-spoke-to-who-chief-tedros-on-delaying-coronavirus-warning-298045">Also read:&nbsp;China denies President Xi spoke to WHO chief Tedros on delaying coronavirus warning</a>

Chen, a U.S.-trained epidemiologist, said the WHO had been putting politics above health.

"Unfortunately, because of political reasons, Taiwan`s 23 million people have become orphans in the global health system," he told reporters at the presidential office in Taipei.

"The WHO pays too much attention to politics and has forgotten their professionalism and neutrality. This is quite regrettable."

While the WHO has done good work and contributed to world health in the past, its record on the virus has not been as good, Chen added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-becomes-a-worry-in-indonesia-after-dead-indonesian-crew-thrown-in-sea-state-intel-website-hacked-298629">Also read:&nbsp;China becomes a worry in Indonesia after dead Indonesian crew thrown in sea; state intel website hacked</a>

"On the Wuhan pneumonia, we mostly criticise them for acting too slowly," he said, referring to the central Chinese city where the virus first emerged late last year, before spreading worldwide to infect 4.3 million people and kill 295,000.

Chen, who was Taiwan`s health minister during the 2002-2003 SARS crisis, said the world needed to be cautious with China`s virus numbers, and urged Beijing to be more transparent. 
He wished China well in its fight, however.

"Here I give my blessings to them and hope that they can contain the Wuhan pneumonia as early as possible and avoid a second wave," said Chen, who leaves office when President Tsai Ing-wen is sworn in for her second term next week.

Taiwan has lobbied to attend next week's meeting of the WHO`s decision-making World Health Assembly as an observer, but China objects.

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Taiwan`s basis for participation in the WHO was damaged by the refusal of its ruling Democratic Progressive Party to recognise that the island is part of China.

There is no legal basis for a "non-sovereign region" to participate as an observer, Zhao added.

The United States has repeatedly clashed with China over its refusal to allow Taiwan full access to the body, helping to further fuel tension between Washington and Beijing.

Taiwan`s tally of 440 virus infections and seven deaths is far lower than many of its neighbours, thanks to early and effective prevention work and an efficient public health system.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has "forgotten" its professionalism and neutrality in locking Taiwan out of the body for political reasons, Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen said on Thursday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has "forgotten" its professionalism and neutrality in locking Taiwan out of the body for political reasons, Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen said on Thursday. Taiwan says China and the WHO have conspired for political purposes to keep it out of key meetings, that the WHO has not responded to requests for coronavirus information and has misreported the number of its infections. The WHO and China have strongly dispute the accusations, saying Taiwan has been given all the help it needed, but that only China, which claims democratic Taiwan as one of its provinces, has the right to fully represent it in the WHO. Also read: China denies President Xi spoke to WHO chief Tedros on delaying coronavirus warning Chen, a U.S.-trained epidemiologist, said the WHO had been putting politics above health. "Unfortunately, because of political reasons, Taiwan`s 23 million people have become orphans in the global health system," he told reporters at the presidential office in Taipei. "The WHO pays too much attention to politics and has forgotten their professionalism and neutrality. This is quite regrettable." While the WHO has done good work and contributed to world health in the past, its record on the virus has not been as good, Chen added. Also read: China becomes a worry in Indonesia after dead Indonesian crew thrown in sea; state intel website hacked "On the Wuhan pneumonia, we mostly criticise them for acting too slowly," he said, referring to the central Chinese city where the virus first emerged late last year, before spreading worldwide to infect 4.3 million people and kill 295,000. Chen, who was Taiwan`s health minister during the 2002-2003 SARS crisis, said the world needed to be cautious with China`s virus numbers, and urged Beijing to be more transparent. He wished China well in its fight, however. "Here I give my blessings to them and hope that they can contain the Wuhan pneumonia as early as possible and avoid a second wave," said Chen, who leaves office when President Tsai Ing-wen is sworn in for her second term next week. Taiwan has lobbied to attend next week's meeting of the WHO`s decision-making World Health Assembly as an observer, but China objects. In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Taiwan`s basis for participation in the WHO was damaged by the refusal of its ruling Democratic Progressive Party to recognise that the island is part of China. There is no legal basis for a "non-sovereign region" to participate as an observer, Zhao added. The United States has repeatedly clashed with China over its refusal to allow Taiwan full access to the body, helping to further fuel tension between Washington and Beijing. Taiwan`s tally of 440 virus infections and seven deaths is far lower than many of its neighbours, thanks to early and effective prevention work and an efficient public health system.

Taiwan says WHO has 'forgotten' neutrality by barring island

Denying Taiwan the membership of&nbsp;the World Health Organization during the coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;endangered its citizens and undermined global information sharing, according to a US congressional report.

The report&nbsp;published by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) claimed that&nbsp;WHO had sidelined&nbsp;Taiwan due to&nbsp;China’s ''immense influence and pressure'' on it causing “critical delays” to health guidance on the coronavirus outbreak for the organisation’s member states.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-berates-new-zealand-over-support-for-taiwan-at-who-298258" hreflang="en">China berates New Zealand over support for Taiwan at WHO</a>

The brief&nbsp;reports to the US Congress on national security issues.

As per the report ''had the WHO allowed Taiwan’s health experts to share information and best practices in early January, governments around the world could have had more complete information on which to base their public health policies.''

''The WHO’s suppression of information provided by Taiwan and the delayed issuance of its own guidance undermined the national security of the very member states trusting it for authoritative public health guidance.''

Nations including the United States, European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan for Taiwan to attend the WHO’s World Health Assembly, which gets under way online on Monday.

Earlier, China's foreign ministry also hit out at Taiwan over allegations that Beijing signed a secret agreement with the World Health Organization to exclude the self-ruled island, saying "it is not a secret".

"There is no need for us to sign a memorandum with any international organization to assert that Taiwan is part of China," said Zhao Lijian, spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The WHO has in the past rejected accusations of&nbsp;favouring Beijing, saying its experts recognised the “very successful response” of Taiwanese health authorities to the pandemic and had worked with them on a technical level.

India&nbsp;has an important role to play as its&nbsp;nominee is set to be the next chairperson of the WHO's executive board for the next three years.

India's&nbsp;strategic allies&nbsp;expect its support to them against China's disproportionate influence at this health body.

China has shown scant regard for India's territorial integrity from calling Aunachal Pradesh their own to funding infrastructure projects in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

The Chinese embassy spokesperson, Wolf Warrior, Ji Rong,&nbsp;launched salvos of persistent tweets prior&nbsp;the WHO session.

Tweets aimed at reminding India that Taiwan is an 'inalienable part of China' and this is the 'widely accepted universal consensus of the international community'

The Chinese embassy in New Delhi also wants India to adhere to the 'one-China principle.'

All eyes will be on the country's strategy, as its External affairs minister S. Jaishankar attended a seven-nation virtual meeting of foreign ministers. This meeting was convened by the US&nbsp;secretary of state, Mike Pompeo.

Reports indicate&nbsp;that the meeting was part of Washington's efforts to gain support for changes at the WHO.

However, the MEA&nbsp;declined to comment on whether Taiwan was discussed. 
&nbsp;

Denying Taiwan the membership of the World Health Organization during the coronavirus pandemic endangered its citizens and undermined global information sharing, according to a US congressional report.

Denying Taiwan the membership of the World Health Organization during the coronavirus pandemic endangered its citizens and undermined global information sharing, according to a US congressional report. The report published by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) claimed that WHO had sidelined Taiwan due to China’s ''immense influence and pressure'' on it causing “critical delays” to health guidance on the coronavirus outbreak for the organisation’s member states. Also read: China berates New Zealand over support for Taiwan at WHO The brief reports to the US Congress on national security issues. As per the report ''had the WHO allowed Taiwan’s health experts to share information and best practices in early January, governments around the world could have had more complete information on which to base their public health policies.'' ''The WHO’s suppression of information provided by Taiwan and the delayed issuance of its own guidance undermined the national security of the very member states trusting it for authoritative public health guidance.'' Nations including the United States, European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan for Taiwan to attend the WHO’s World Health Assembly, which gets under way online on Monday. Earlier, China's foreign ministry also hit out at Taiwan over allegations that Beijing signed a secret agreement with the World Health Organization to exclude the self-ruled island, saying "it is not a secret". "There is no need for us to sign a memorandum with any international organization to assert that Taiwan is part of China," said Zhao Lijian, spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The WHO has in the past rejected accusations of favouring Beijing, saying its experts recognised the “very successful response” of Taiwanese health authorities to the pandemic and had worked with them on a technical level. India has an important role to play as its nominee is set to be the next chairperson of the WHO's executive board for the next three years. India's strategic allies expect its support to them against China's disproportionate influence at this health body. China has shown scant regard for India's territorial integrity from calling Aunachal Pradesh their own to funding infrastructure projects in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The Chinese embassy spokesperson, Wolf Warrior, Ji Rong, launched salvos of persistent tweets prior the WHO session. Tweets aimed at reminding India that Taiwan is an 'inalienable part of China' and this is the 'widely accepted universal consensus of the international community' The Chinese embassy in New Delhi also wants India to adhere to the 'one-China principle.' All eyes will be on the country's strategy, as its External affairs minister S. Jaishankar attended a seven-nation virtual meeting of foreign ministers. This meeting was convened by the US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo. Reports indicate that the meeting was part of Washington's efforts to gain support for changes at the WHO. However, the MEA declined to comment on whether Taiwan was discussed.

WHO putting nations at risk by excluding Taiwan from knowledge sharing: US report

Chinese leader Xi Jinping asked World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to suppress news about the Wuhan COVID-19 outbreak

China asked WHO to cover up coronavirus outbreak?

Did the Chinese President prevent the WHO Chief from alerting the world about human to human transmission of the Coronavirus? WION's Palki tells you more about this explosive claim, and the response from the WHO & China.

Gravitas: Does Dr Tedros have a hotline to Xi Jinping?

What else has the Chinese regime stolen?&nbsp;Did it rob the world of time&nbsp;needed to prepare for this pandemic? This is a question that has been debated for months, but there has been no conclusive outcome.

A media report in Germany has now reignited this debate. Some very pertinent questions are being asked.&nbsp;Questions like is there an active hotline between the presidential office in Beijing and the W.H.O headquarters in Geneva? Did XI Jinping dial Dr. Tedros to delay a global warning on the coronavirus outbreak?&nbsp;Did the Chinese President personally urge the W.H.O Chief to hold back information about human to human transmission?&nbsp;

Der Spiegel,&nbsp;a German news outlet says he did.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-chinese-websites-claim-kyrgyzstan-kazakhstan-part-of-china-draws-ire-of-central-asia-298057">Also read:&nbsp;Now, Chinese websites claim Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan part of China; draws ire of Central Asia</a>

The allegations were released in a bombshell report this weekend. This report cites intelligence from germany's federal intelligence service. From a body which goes by the name of 'bun-des-nach-rich-ten-dienst' (bundes-nakh-rikh-tienst). So let's go by what its popularly known as: BND.

A body which is said to secretly operate in more than 100 countries, including China.

So, according to the BND,&nbsp;the Chinese President made a phone call to Dr. Tedros&nbsp;on the 21st of January.

The purpose was to make the W.H.O Chief hold back information about the coronavirus and delay a pandemic warning. The BND estimates that China's quote unquote 'information policy' lost the world some crucial weeks it needed to fight this virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-face-off-in-ladakh-sikkim-both-sides-suffer-injuries-297856">Also read:&nbsp;India, China face off in Ladakh, Sikkim; both sides suffer injuries</a>

These are some serious charges, and China has responded seriously,&nbsp;launched another offensive, duly supported by the WHO, which was quick to defend China.

The W.H.O has called these allegations unfounded, false and untrue. It says not only did President XI and Dr. Tedros not speak on the 21st of January, but they have never spoken by telephone.

The W.H.O statement self-righteously reads,&nbsp;"such innacurate reports distract and detract from the who's and the world's efforts to end the covid-19 pandemic."

It also carries a note saying&nbsp;that China confirmed human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus on the 20th of January. China agrees to this.

Guess who they deputed to issue a clarification?

Their most famous conspiracy theorist, the one who said the virus had come from the U.S and then made a u-turn,&nbsp;Zhao Lijian. He rebuked the organization behind these claims and shared some words of wisdom on ethical journalism.

"The chinese leader did not speak with the who director-general on january 21, and who has made detailed clarifications on it. We hope that the relevant media will strictly abide by the professional ethics of journalism and not disseminate false information," he said.

Do not disseminate false information' he says.&nbsp;Charity begins at home, we say. Start with disseminating true information. Where again did the coronavirus originate? This question still awaits an official answer from China.

Pray, shed some light.

What else has the Chinese regime stolen? Did it rob the world of time needed to prepare for this pandemic? This is a question that has been debated for months, but there has been no conclusive outcome.

What else has the Chinese regime stolen? Did it rob the world of time needed to prepare for this pandemic? This is a question that has been debated for months, but there has been no conclusive outcome. A media report in Germany has now reignited this debate. Some very pertinent questions are being asked. Questions like is there an active hotline between the presidential office in Beijing and the W.H.O headquarters in Geneva? Did XI Jinping dial Dr. Tedros to delay a global warning on the coronavirus outbreak? Did the Chinese President personally urge the W.H.O Chief to hold back information about human to human transmission? Der Spiegel, a German news outlet says he did. Also read: Now, Chinese websites claim Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan part of China; draws ire of Central Asia The allegations were released in a bombshell report this weekend. This report cites intelligence from germany's federal intelligence service. From a body which goes by the name of 'bun-des-nach-rich-ten-dienst' (bundes-nakh-rikh-tienst). So let's go by what its popularly known as: BND. A body which is said to secretly operate in more than 100 countries, including China. So, according to the BND, the Chinese President made a phone call to Dr. Tedros on the 21st of January. The purpose was to make the W.H.O Chief hold back information about the coronavirus and delay a pandemic warning. The BND estimates that China's quote unquote 'information policy' lost the world some crucial weeks it needed to fight this virus. Also read: India, China face off in Ladakh, Sikkim; both sides suffer injuries These are some serious charges, and China has responded seriously, launched another offensive, duly supported by the WHO, which was quick to defend China. The W.H.O has called these allegations unfounded, false and untrue. It says not only did President XI and Dr. Tedros not speak on the 21st of January, but they have never spoken by telephone. The W.H.O statement self-righteously reads, "such innacurate reports distract and detract from the who's and the world's efforts to end the covid-19 pandemic." It also carries a note saying that China confirmed human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus on the 20th of January. China agrees to this. Guess who they deputed to issue a clarification? Their most famous conspiracy theorist, the one who said the virus had come from the U.S and then made a u-turn, Zhao Lijian. He rebuked the organization behind these claims and shared some words of wisdom on ethical journalism. "The chinese leader did not speak with the who director-general on january 21, and who has made detailed clarifications on it. We hope that the relevant media will strictly abide by the professional ethics of journalism and not disseminate false information," he said. Do not disseminate false information' he says. Charity begins at home, we say. Start with disseminating true information. Where again did the coronavirus originate? This question still awaits an official answer from China. Pray, shed some light.

China withheld information on coronavirus: German news outlet

There is a German intel's bombshell claim. In this it has been claimed that 'World Health Organization declared Coronavirus (COVID-19) a public emergency 2 days later.'

German intel's bombshell claim, 'W.H.O. declared COVID-19 a public emergency 2 days later'

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has suspended staff activity at its hubs in Houthi-held areas of Yemen, a directive seen by Reuters showed, in a move sources said aimed to pressure the group to be more transparent about suspected coronavirus cases.

War-ravaged Yemen is divided between the internationally recognised government temporarily based in the south and the Houthi movement that ousted it from power in the capital, Sanaa, in the north in late 2014.

The Saudi-backed government has so far reported 34 cases of the novel coronavirus with seven deaths in the territory it controls, while the Houthis, who control most large urban centres, have recorded just two cases with one death.

The WHO directive issued late on Saturday notified staff in Sanaa, in the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, in the northern province of Saada and the central province of Ibb that "all movements, meetings or any other activity" for all staff in those areas were paused until further notice.

The WHO did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Three sources told Reuters that the WHO had taken the measure to press the Houthi authorities to report results of tests for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by coronavirus.

The Saudi-backed government has accused Houthi authorities of covering up an outbreak in Sanaa, a charge the group denies.

The WHO has said it fears COVID-19 could rip through Yemen as the population has some of the lowest levels of immunity to disease compared with other countries. Minimal testing capacity has added to concerns.

The five-year war between a Saudi-led coalition and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement has shattered Yemen`s health system and left its population weakened by widespread hunger and disease.

Around 80% of the population, or 24 million people, rely on humanitarian aid and 10 million are at risk of starvation.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has suspended staff activity at its hubs in Houthi-held areas of Yemen, a directive seen by Reuters showed, in a move sources said aimed to pressure the group to be more transparent about suspected coronavirus cases.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has suspended staff activity at its hubs in Houthi-held areas of Yemen, a directive seen by Reuters showed, in a move sources said aimed to pressure the group to be more transparent about suspected coronavirus cases. War-ravaged Yemen is divided between the internationally recognised government temporarily based in the south and the Houthi movement that ousted it from power in the capital, Sanaa, in the north in late 2014. The Saudi-backed government has so far reported 34 cases of the novel coronavirus with seven deaths in the territory it controls, while the Houthis, who control most large urban centres, have recorded just two cases with one death. The WHO directive issued late on Saturday notified staff in Sanaa, in the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, in the northern province of Saada and the central province of Ibb that "all movements, meetings or any other activity" for all staff in those areas were paused until further notice. The WHO did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. Three sources told Reuters that the WHO had taken the measure to press the Houthi authorities to report results of tests for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by coronavirus. The Saudi-backed government has accused Houthi authorities of covering up an outbreak in Sanaa, a charge the group denies. The WHO has said it fears COVID-19 could rip through Yemen as the population has some of the lowest levels of immunity to disease compared with other countries. Minimal testing capacity has added to concerns. The five-year war between a Saudi-led coalition and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement has shattered Yemen`s health system and left its population weakened by widespread hunger and disease. Around 80% of the population, or 24 million people, rely on humanitarian aid and 10 million are at risk of starvation.

WHO suspends staff activity in Yemen's Houthi-held areas

World Health Organization (W.H.O.) has taken a u-turn on wet markets. W.H.O. says that these markets are source of livelihood. Watch report.

W.H.O. takes a u-turn on wet markets, rejects call to ban wet markets

Citing the need for the broadest effort possible to fight the coronavirus pandemic, leaders of US congressional foreign affairs committees wrote to nearly 60 countries on Friday asking them to support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization.

Citing the need for the broadest effort possible to fight the coronavirus pandemic, leaders of US congressional foreign affairs committees wrote to nearly 60 countries on Friday asking them to support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization. Taiwan, which is not a member of the United Nations, has been excluded from the UN agency WHO, due to objections from China. "As the world works to combat the spread of the COVID-19, a novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China, it has never been more important to ensure all countries prioritize global health and safety over politics," the lawmakers said in their letter, sent on Friday. It was signed by Representatives Eliot Engel, Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, and Michael McCaul, the panel's ranking Republican member, as well as Senators Jim Risch, the Republican Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, and Bob Menendez, the panel's ranking Democratic member. The letter was sent to "like-minded" countries, large and small, seen as friends and allies of Taiwan, including Canada, Thailand, Japan, Germany, Britain, Saudi Arabia and Australia. Taiwan has been seeking to join a ministerial meeting this month of the WHO's decision-making body, the World Health Assembly (WHA), with backing from Washington and several US allies. But China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province under its "one China" policy, said Taiwan's effort to join the meeting will fail, insisting its efforts are based on politics, not health concerns.

US lawmakers write to 'like-minded' countries, urge support for Taiwan at WHO

Later this month, India will take a leadership role at the World Health Organisation. WION's Palki Sharma tells you 5 things India can do to reform the global health body.

Gravitas: 5 Things India can do to reform the WHO

African nations are facing a surge of COVID-19 cases with less than one intensive care bed and one ventilator per 100,000 people, a Reuters survey has found.

W.H.O. projects up to 44 million could be infected in Africa with COVID-19

May 8 in history: China cedes Taiwan, smallpox eradicated and more

The origin of the coronavirus has become a matter of intense debate. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has asked countries to retest samples from Dec and Jan to determine whether the transmission of the virus happened much before it came to the world's notice.

Did the COVID-19 virus spread long before detection?

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