Taiwan gets WHO chance

Taiwan's President says that China has offered to lift its objections to the island's participation in the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation.

Taiwan has long sought to participate in the world health body in its campaign for international recognition, and President Ma Ying Jeou's announcement - if confirmed by China - would represent a major victory for Taipei.

Ma says China will agree as a goodwill gesture to allow Taipei to participate in the World Health Assembly, the supreme decision-making body for the WHO.

Since being expelled from the UN in 1971, Taiwan has not been able to participate in its major component bodies because of Chinese pressure.