CHINA: Ireland will oppose granting observer status to Taiwan in the World Health Assembly, which begins its annual meeting on Monday in Geneva. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern gave this commitment in a meeting with Chinese foreign minister Li Zhaoxing.
Beijing has traditionally opposed any attempt by Taiwan to acquire the trappings of sovereignty. The two split in the civil war and revolution of 1949 and Beijing has followed a "one-China" policy, viewing Taiwan as a breakaway province. This year will see the tenth attempt by Taiwan to achieve observer status at the World Health Assembly, which is the forum through which the World Health Organisation (WHO) is governed by its 192 member-states, including Ireland. Only about two dozen member-states support Taiwan's bid.
Expressing his government's appreciation for Ireland's commitment to the "one-China" policy, the Chinese foreign minister said the biggest problem at present was the continuing efforts of the Taiwan leadership to promote independence among the international community.
Referring specifically to the World Health Assembly, he said his government had already agreed that officials from Taiwan could participate in agreed sessions of technical groups (the agreement with China allows the WHO to send its personnel to Taiwan in emergency situations). But, he said, China hoped Ireland would oppose any effort from Taiwan for observer status, particularly if the matter came to a vote.
Mr Ahern reiterated the Government's adherence to the one-China policy. "We have actively worked at EU meetings in Brussels and at sessions in Geneva in support of this. While full collaboration is important on health issues of concern to all, this cannot be used to achieve a political goal. If the matter comes to a vote, we will vote against." The meeting took place in Beijing last week, during a two-day visit by Mr Ahern.
The ministers also discussed Darfur, expressing the hope that the new agreement between the Sudanese government and the main rebel faction would hold and that the other two factions would join the accord. Mr Ahern spoke of Ireland's strong presence in the country and the substantial amount of aid we were donating. He asked that China "bring its influence to bear on all sides". Mr Li indicated China's strong support for the agreement and that it would be doing all it could to bring the other two groups on board.
Mr Ahern also met Chinese prime minister Wen Jiabao. Recalling his visit to Ireland in 2004, Mr Wen said there were many parallels between the two countries. Historically, both had suffered and both now worked for peace and prosperity.
Responding, the minister highlighted the growing links between Ireland and China, particularly in education. "Chinese people in Ireland are very highly regarded and will always be welcome," he said.