A total 13 U.S. senators backed Taiwan’s bid for observer status in the 71st World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization, in a letter sent May 16 to WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“We … strongly urge you to extend an invitation to Taiwan to unconditionally participate as an observer at this assembly and any future meetings,” the senators said. “We reaffirm our belief that it is important for appropriate global forums to include Taiwan, one of the most developed democracies and economies in the Indo-Pacific region with an advanced health care system and impressive record of providing humanitarian relief around the world.”
The senators said Taiwan can contribute significantly to the WHA and participated from 2009 to 2016 as an observer. “Given the nature of global health concerns and challenges, the WHA has much to benefit from Taiwan’s participation … and creates considerable health risk if Taiwan is excluded,” they added.
According to the senators, they are “gravely concerned” by the WHO’s decision last year not to invite Taiwan to participate due to the Chinese government’s campaign to isolate and intimidate Taiwan. “Coordinating with nations around the world on pressing global health issues is important for the health and well-being of all people and all nations, and should not be taken hostage by any government’s political objectives,” they said.
The senators called for the restoration of Taiwan’s meaningful participation at the May 21-26 WHA in Geneva and in broader work of the WHO. “With so many emerging global health challenges, it is not only in Taiwan’s interest, but also critical to the WHO’s mission of building a better and healthier future for people all over the world.”
In an early morning tweet May 18 on the official Twitter page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the MOFA expressed its sincere gratitude to Sens. Marco Rubio, Robert Menendez and 11 of their colleagues for the letter, and said “You’re right! @WHO shouldn’t bow to pressure from #China & let it take global health hostage. Time to treat this ill @DrTedros. Invite Taiwan to #WHA71.”
Earlier the same day, U.S. Reps. Ed Royce, Eliot Engel and 170 members of U.S. Congress sent a letter to Ghebreyesus calling for Taiwan’s unconditional participation in the WHA, as well as future annual and technical meetings of the WHO.
According to the MOFA, a delegation led by Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung is departing May 19 for Geneva. They plan to convey Taiwan’s deep dissatisfaction at not receiving an invitation to the WHA before holding talks with officials and medical experts from diplomatic allies and like-minded countries. (SFC-E)
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