Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang
Taiwan's participation in international organizations must be under the one-China principle, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.
Spokesman Geng Shuang was speaking at a daily news briefing when asked for comments about Taiwan's call on the World Health Organization (WHO) to allow the island to participate in relevant WHO activities.
"China's central government cares for the health and well-being of its Taiwan compatriots more than anyone," Geng said, adding the National Health Commission had informed Taiwan of the outbreak of pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in a timely fashion.
He said that according to the arrangements between China and the WHO, medical experts in Taiwan can participate in relevant WHO technical meetings, and WHO experts can also visit Taiwan to provide assistance when needed.
"Taiwan can obtain information on global public health emergencies released by the WHO, and the information on public health emergencies in Taiwan can also be notified to the WHO in a timely manner," Geng said, adding that these arrangements have ensured that Taiwan can respond promptly and effectively regardless of whether public health emergencies occur on the island or internationally.
