The use of political pretexts by mainland China to orchestrate Taiwan’s exclusion from the international health system cannot be countenanced nor accepted by the government and people of Taiwan, according to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Office of the President May 22.
This illegitimate action will cost mainland China the support of the global community and “elicit extreme disgust” among the nation’s 23 million people, the Office of the President said in a statement, adding that the World Health Organization serves all mankind, not the political positions of a particular member.
The Office of the President statement follows a letter sent by mainland China’s permanent mission to the U.N. in Geneva to other members of the world body describing Taiwan as a “province under the rule of the People’s Republic of China.” The document also stated that mainland Chinese authorities decided Taiwan would not be invited to participate as an observer at the May 22-31 World Health Assembly—the decision-making body of the WHO.
Health is a universal human right, and the people in Taiwan are entitled to enjoy good health like everyone else on Earth. The country should be treated equally and there is no reason why it should be excluded, the Office of the President said, adding that the truth of this principle is self-evident and the WHO should concern itself with safeguarding the health of all mankind.
Taiwan is resolutely determined to participate in and contribute to the international community, with the government working to promote and enhance cooperation with the proper authorities in other nations so as to ensure the rights of its people to good health, the Office of the President said.
The MAC also issued a statement the same day expressing strong dissatisfaction and protesting the matter.
Taiwan’s participation in the WHA as an observer is the result of the collective efforts by the public and private sectors, and reflects recognition of the country’s quality health care and contribution to global disease prevention, the MAC said.
The ROC is a sovereign state, and the government has never accepted Beijing’s so-called “one China” principle, the MAC said, adding that mainland China’s efforts to exclude Taiwan from the WHA on political grounds violates the WHO’s constitution and deprives the people of their fundamental rights.
Mainland China is urged to squarely face the facts, seriously reflect upon the matter and stop taking negative action against Taiwan. If Beijing continues to ignore the rights of the people of Taiwan to participate in international society, this will only result in the two sides of the Taiwan Strait drifting further apart, the MAC said.
In 2009, Taiwan was invited by the WHO to take part as an observer in the annual WHA following an absence of 38 years. The country has since shared its extensive expertise in areas such as universal health care coverage and the management of contagious diseases like SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome. (SFC-E)
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