China announced on Monday its decision not to approve the Taiwan region's participation in this year's World Health Assembly, and criticized the Democratic Progressive Party authorities' attempt to seek "independence" by soliciting external support.

Taiwan is reportedly yet to receive any invitation to attend the 79th World Health Assembly, which is scheduled to open in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 18.

The decision was made to uphold the one-China principle, as well as the seriousness and authority of relevant United Nations General Assembly and WHA resolutions, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a daily news briefing in Beijing.

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Without the consent of the central government, the region has no basis, reason or right to participate in the WHA, Guo said.

He stressed that the DPP authorities stubbornly adhere to the separatist stance of "Taiwan independence", which has eroded the political foundation for Taiwan's participation in the WHA.

He said that the region's participation in international organizations, including activities of the World Health Organization, must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle, which is a fundamental principle affirmed by UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1.

There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, said Guo, adding that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. He added that any attempt to violate the one-China principle and engage in political manipulation by playing the "Taiwan card" is doomed to fail.

On the same day, Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said Taiwan's exclusion from the WHA was entirely the result of secessionist political manipulation by the DPP authorities, and reflected their failure in trying to "seek independence through health-related issues".

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It once again proves that the international community's commitment to the one-China principle is unshakable, he said.

For eight consecutive years -2009 to 2016 — the region participated in the WHA as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei".

According to Chen, this special arrangement was based on both sides of the Taiwan Strait adhering to the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle.

He noted that the DPP authorities' deceptive and provocative practices will meet firm opposition from compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, as well as from the international community, and are doomed to fail.

Contact the writers at zhoujin@chinadaily.com.cn