China-Taiwan tensions in Geneva: Beijing denounces the presence of the Taiwanese minister on the sidelines of the WHO assembly

China on Monday strongly condemned the presence of Taiwan's foreign minister in Geneva, where the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) is being held this week. Beijing accuses Taiwan of seeking international attention through "separatist activities."

Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung arrived in Switzerland on Sunday, accompanied by Health Minister Shih Chung-liang. Their visit coincides with the 79th World Health Assembly, being held in Geneva from May 18 to 23.

Since 2017, Taiwan has been excluded from this assembly due to opposition from Beijing, which considers the island part of its territory. Despite this exclusion, Taipei continues to send delegations and organize side events during the annual gathering.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun harshly criticized Taiwan's initiative, stating that these moves were merely a way to "interfere in international conferences" and calling them "the behavior of little clowns." Beijing believes these actions are doomed to failure and only expose Taiwan to humiliation.

For its part, the Taiwanese government firmly rejects China's sovereignty claims and asserts that Beijing has no right to represent the island internationally. Taipei insists on the need for full and complete participation in global health institutions.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te delivered a video message at a forum held on the sidelines of the assembly, stressing that Taiwan's participation in the WHO would better guarantee the right to health for its citizens and strengthen global health cooperation.

This latest episode illustrates once again the persistent diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Taipei, as global health issues and international cooperation continue to intersect with political rivalries between the two sides.