GENEVA, Switzerland: The World Health Organization (WHO) has received a proposal by 13 member states requesting that Taiwan be allowed to join a major health assembly next week as an observer.
At a press briefing, WHO Principal Legal Officer Steve Solomon said, "Thirteen member states have proposed a new item, a supplementary item, called Inviting Taiwan to participate in the World Health Assembly as an observer."
A decision would likely be made on day two of the assembly, he added.
Due to objections from China, which considers Taiwan one of its provinces and not a separate country, Taiwan is excluded from most global bodies, including the WHO.
Earlier this month, Taiwan's foreign minister said he expected it would be "very difficult" for Taiwan to be invited to the meeting.
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