**Report by Chan Yung-chi, Taipei**

The 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) is set to open on May 18 in Geneva, Switzerland. In alignment with Taiwan’s WHA campaign, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has organized the inaugural **”Taiwan Smart Medical & HealthTech Expo”** at the WHA to promote Taiwan’s medical industry and showcase its achievements in international medical assistance. Following the United States’ announced withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), this marks the first WHA without U.S. participation. Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang stated today (the 11th) that international support has not waned due to the U.S. absence. On the contrary, Taiwan must be even more deliberate and robust in its participation to demonstrate its steadfast commitment to joining the WHA.

This afternoon, MOFA and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) held a joint ministerial pre-departure press conference for the **”2026 WHA Campaign and Taiwan Smart Medical & HealthTech Expo.”** Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Health Minister Shih Chung-liang attended the event to outline Taiwan’s plans to push for WHA participation and host the exposition.

### Pushing for Participation Without an Invitation

**Health Minister Shih Chung-liang** noted that although Taiwan has not yet received an official invitation to the WHA, he will lead a delegation of relevant agencies to Geneva this week. During the assembly, Taiwan will host four major professional forums to engage with countries worldwide.

Shih emphasized that a highlight of this year’s campaign is the concurrent medical and health industry exhibition, aimed at showing the world that Taiwan has far more to offer than just microchips. He asserted that firmly expressing Taiwan’s determination for continuous participation is vital, as safeguarding the health rights of Taiwan’s 23 million people is an issue the WHO cannot ignore.

**Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung** echoed that while no invitation has been received so far, Taiwan should not wait passively. Instead, it must actively demonstrate that *”Taiwan can help.”* He highlighted a pun for this year’s theme: if **”WHO cares,”** then **”Taiwan cares.”** Lin stressed that advocating for Taiwan’s participation aligns with the WHO’s core principle of “leaving no one behind,” which the organization continues to violate. This exclusion, Lin said, is not just a loss for Taiwan, but an even greater loss for the international community.

### Sustained International Support Despite U.S. Absence

When asked by the media which international dignitaries still support Taiwan’s meaningful participation following the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, **Shih Chung-liang** responded that the U.S. remains a steadfast partner. He highlighted that since President Trump took office, the U.S. has expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in international health activities 13 times through various channels and pathways, which Taiwan deeply appreciates.

Shih pointed out that although this is the first year the U.S. will not send officials to attend, the number of countries supporting Taiwan’s WHA participation and observer status has grown year after year. Like-minded nations have continued to actively campaign on Taiwan’s behalf.

“The momentum of international support does not feel diminished by the U.S. absence,” Shih emphasized. “Precisely because of this, we need to be even more deliberate and amplify our presence in WHA-related events to demonstrate our firm conviction to participate, and we thank all nations for their support.”

### Medical Diplomacy as Soft Power

**Lin Chia-lung** added that many international organizations are highly focused on health issues. For instance, Taiwan proposed and contributed funds to a smart care resilience initiative under APEC and has extended medical assistance to Pacific island nations. This represents a tangible display of diplomatic soft power. Through this exhibition, Taiwan is showcasing its “Taiwan Medical and Public Health Team,” where everyone acts as a member of Team Taiwan.

Lin said that despite not participating in the WHA general assembly, “the world is vast, and Taiwan can be a responsible and capable contributing partner.” He viewed this not only as an ideal but also as a major business opportunity. In addition to cementing diplomatic ties, many countries are eager to cooperate with Taiwan. Beyond technology, Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) system provides invaluable data, serving as a precious asset and the strongest backing for Taiwan’s diplomatic outreach.

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**Press Conference Attendees:**
The press conference was hosted by MOFA Spokesperson and Director-General of the Public Diplomacy Coordination Council Hsiao Kuang-wei. Other key attendees included:

* **Wu Yun-tung**, Ambassador-at-large
* **Shih Chin-shui**, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Health and Welfare
* **Yeh Chih-cheng**, Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs, MOFA
* **Chen Ching-i**, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs, MOFA
* **Chang Chih-sa**, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Organizations, MOFA
* **Chang Wen-han**, Industry Delegation Leader and General Director of MacKay Memorial Hospital
* **Wang Chi-hsien**, Industry Delegation Deputy Leader and Chairman of Lanyee Biomedical Co., Ltd.
* **Lee Wai-keung**, Industry Delegation Deputy Leader and Vice President of Taipei Veterans General Hospital
* **Chen Ray-jade**, Senior Advisor and Chairman of Taipei Medical University