China Says Taiwan Cannot Join Health Meeting

May 11, 2026, 09:34
AsiaInternational

Introduction

China does not want Taiwan to go to the World Health Organization meeting. Taiwan will now do its own activities in Geneva.

Main Body

China says it is the only government for the area. Because of this, China stopped Taiwan from joining the meeting in 2017. The two sides do not agree on who is the leader. From 2009 to 2016, Taiwan could join as an observer. They had more trade and travel then. Now, Taiwan says China cannot speak for its 23 million people. Taiwan's Health Minister, Shih Chung-liang, says this is bad for world health. He will still go to Geneva. He wants to meet other health experts there.

Conclusion

China still says no to Taiwan. Taiwan will still try to meet people in Geneva.

Learning

⚡️ The Power of 'CANNOT'

In this story, we see a strong pattern: Cannot. It is used when someone is not allowed to do something.

How it works: Subject + cannot + action

Examples from the text:

  • Taiwan cannot join → (Not allowed to enter)
  • China cannot speak → (Not allowed to talk for others)

💡 Quick Tips for A2

1. The Shortcut In a normal conversation, we don't say "cannot." We say can't.

  • Example: I can't go to the meeting.

2. The Opposite If the answer is yes, just use can.

  • Past: Taiwan could join (2009-2016).
  • Present: Taiwan cannot join (Now).

3. Common Pairings

  • cannot + join
  • cannot + enter
  • cannot + speak

Vocabulary Learning

go (v.)
to move from one place to another
Example:I will go to the store.
meeting (n.)
an event where people gather to talk
Example:We have a meeting at 3 pm.
world (adj.)
relating to the earth or all people
Example:World health experts gathered in Geneva.
government (n.)
the group that runs a country
Example:The government announced new rules.
area (n.)
a part of a place or space
Example:This area is very quiet.
leader (n.)
a person who leads or directs
Example:The leader spoke to the crowd.
observer (n.)
a person who watches but does not join
Example:She was an observer at the event.
trade (n.)
the buying and selling of goods
Example:Trade helps countries grow.
travel (n.)
the act of going to different places
Example:Travel is exciting.
people (n.)
human beings
Example:People enjoy music.
health (n.)
the condition of being healthy
Example:Health is very important.
minister (n.)
a government official in charge of a department
Example:The minister visited the school.
bad (adj.)
not good or unpleasant
Example:That is a bad idea.
still (adv.)
even now or after something
Example:She still works every day.
try (v.)
to attempt or make an effort
Example:I will try again.