Taiwan Region's inability to take part in this year's World Health Assembly (WHA) is rooted solely in the separatist position held by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, said Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, in Beijing on Wednesday.
The 78th World Health Assembly, a World Health Organization (WHO) event, is scheduled to be held in Geneva from May 19 to 27.
Zhu said Taiwan's exclusion from the meeting in Geneva stems from the DPP's refusal to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus -- which affirms there is only one China and Taiwan is part of China.
"We want to emphasize that there is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is part of China. China's position on the Taiwan region's participation in the activities of the WHO is consistent and clear. That is, this must be handled as per the one-China principle, which is also a fundamental principle demonstrated by the UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1," she said.
"The DPP authorities have stubbornly stuck to the separatist position, refusing to recognize the 1992 Consensus, which means that the political foundation for Taiwan region's participation in the WHA no longer exists. The inability of Taiwan to attend the meeting is entirely caused by the DPP authorities. What they truly care about is not the health and well-being of the people of Taiwan, but their exploitation of the occasion to make political instigations and deceive the people on the island. And this will only invite disgrace," said the spokeswoman.
DPP authorities only disgrace themselves by committing political manipulation: spokeswoman
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
