The US House of Representatives Wednesday unanimously passed legislation calling on the State Department to develop a strategy to regain observer status for Taiwan in the World Health Organization (WHO). The bill previously passed through the Senate in August 2021. It will now go to the White House where it is expected that President Joe Biden will sign the bill into law.

The bill outlines how “Taiwan remains a model contributor to world health, having provided financial and technical assistance to respond to numerous global health challenges.”

For eight consecutive years, Taiwan participated as an observer at the WHO under the name “Chinese Taipei”. Its observer status allowed Taiwan to participate in the WHO without being a full member. In 2017, however, Taiwan was stripped of this status when Tsai Ing-wen was elected president.

Taiwan has been excluded from member-status in most global organizations, such as the WHO and the UN, due to objections from China. China considers the island to be one of their provinces and not a separate country.

Democrat Representative Gerry Connolly in support of the bill, praised Taiwan’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of their leadership and contributions, Connolly said Taiwan should be included in global public health discussions.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its appreciation for the US support, stating in a tweet on its official account:

#US support for #Taiwan’s inclusion as an observer to the World Health Assembly is deeply appreciated. #TaiwanCanHelp achieve the @WHo goal of #HealthForAll, & is willing & able to share know-how & resources in saving lives & ensuring we #LeaveNoOneBehind.