WHO reiterates PRC's status as only legitimate representative of China within UN system
CGTN
An exterior view of the headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland. /Xinhua

An exterior view of the headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland. /Xinhua

The People's Republic of China (PRC) is the only legitimate representative of China within the UN system, an official from the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday. 

"Some 49 years ago, the UN and WHO decided that there was only one legitimate representative of China within the UN system. And that is the People's Republic of China," Steven A. Solomon, principal legal officer of the WHO, told a news conference. 

As a specialized agency of the United Nations, the WHO "aligns with the UN and must do so coherently," he added. 

The 73rd World Health Assembly is scheduled to be held virtually on May 18, said Solomon.   

Taiwan used to participate in the World Health Assembly with an observer status as "Chinese Taipei," a special arrangement made through cross-Strait consultations on the basis of both sides' adherence to the 1992 Consensus. 

Because the Democratic Progressive Party refuses to recognize the consensus, the prerequisite for Taiwan's participation in the assembly has vanished. 

(With input from Xinhua)