Khanna, Moolenaar Slam China’s Interference After Taiwan Blocked from WTO Ministerial Conference

WASHINGTON – Today, Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party issued the following statement following reports that Taiwan was blocked from attending the 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

“Cameroon’s decision to effectively exclude Taiwan from the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé is another troubling example of China’s continued efforts to manipulate multilateral institutions.

Taiwan is a key global trading partner, not only for the United States but for countries around the world. Its compelled absence from the WTO’s premier decision-making forum for the first time since its accession in 2001 lessens the WTO’s collective ability to address challenges that chart the future of global trade. As a full WTO member, host countries for WTO conferences have a long-standing practice to recognize Taiwan as a ‘Separate Customs Territory.’

This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a sustained campaign by Beijing to marginalize Taiwan and exert undue influence over international bodies. The United States will continue to stand with Taiwan, which deserves a seat at the table as a model democracy, one of the world’s largest economies, and a technological powerhouse. We urge the WTO to stand up to China’s bullying and facilitate Taiwan’s participation in this Ministerial Conference.”  

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