FLASHBACK: WHO Official Hangs up on Journalist After Question on Taiwan

Tedros has said Taiwan's participation can only be decided by member states with the consent of 'the relevant government' — a reference to Beijing.

The health organisation has been criticised by the media for its political bias towards China during the coronavirus pandemic.

In March, a WHO top official appeared to hang up on a Hong Kong journalist during a video interview when confronted with questions about Taiwan.

Dr Bruce Aylward, assistant director-general of the WHO, avoided commenting further, claiming they had 'already talked about China' after being asked about Taiwan's handling of the coronavirus outbreak.