The PRC's actions got a whole lot more deplorable, however, when Beijing recently delayed relaying critical information to Taiwan from the World Health Organization, concerning contaminated baby corn exported from Thailand. This decision by China constitutes a serious crime against human rights, especially as Taiwan is a major importer of baby corn from Thailand.
The International Food Safety Authorities Network, an institution under the WHO, notified China Sept. 12 that shipments of baby corn from Thailand might be contaminated with the Shigella dysenteriae pathogen. Despite knowing that this pathogen could cause violent food poisoning, the Chinese authorities delayed telling Taiwan's Center for Disease Control for 10 days.
Such a case highlights the problems facing Taiwan due to its exclusion from the WHO. Despite not being a member of the international health body, Taiwan has nevertheless maintained a good relationship with the organization. Recently, however, as Taiwan has made greater endeavors to join the WHO, Beijing has stepped up its obstruction campaign. As it stands, Communist leaders have pressured the WHO into accepting China's demand that Beijing handle all health matters that relate directly to Taiwan, in accordance with its "one-China" policy.
In 2005 and again in June this year, China and the WHO signed a memorandum of understanding. Although the document's details remain confidential, Taiwanese authorities expect it dealt with the "Taiwan issue." In this light, China's delay in passing on the WHO information to Taiwan's CDC seems a power play in direct relation to the MOU. If this is the case, China deserves condemnation for mixing politics with issues pertaining to public health.
The WHO should not allow itself to be held hostage to Beijing's aggression. Instead it should restore normal communications with the CDC, in the interest of safeguarding the health of Taiwan's 23 million people.
China's blunder on this important health issue once again exposes its hypocritical nature. Beijing consistently alleges it has always been greatly concerned about the health of Taiwanese people; but, with this case, it is plain for all to see that China's actions speak far louder than its words.
Write to Taiwan Journal at tj@mail.gio.gov.tw