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

Today, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA) of the House Select Committee on China, 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.”