The government is strongly dissatisfied that Taiwan did not receive an invite for the two-day virtual World Health Assembly, according to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health and Welfare May 18.
At a press conference in Taipei City, MOFA Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu also said he regretted the World Health Organization secretariat’s decision to yield to pressure from China and disregard the right to health of Taiwan’s 23 million people.
According to Wu, Taiwan Can Help combat COVID-19 by sharing the successful Taiwan Model, and the country is willing and able to help allies and like-minded partners manage the pandemic.
In addition to working with the U.S. and many European countries on developing rapid testing kits, vaccines and antivirals, Wu said the government has provided prevention and protective equipment to countries in need.
To date, Taiwan has donated 27.5 million surgical masks, 131 infrared thermal imaging cameras, 35,000 forehead thermometers and 250 automatic body temperature detection systems to over 80 countries. In the next wave, the government plans to donate another 23.5 million surgical masks, 1.16 million N95 masks and a variety of supplies including medical gowns, Wu added.
Despite the noninvitation, the people have witnessed an unprecedented level of international support for Taiwan, Wu said. This includes public backing given by political figures from 40 plus countries, including U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Japan PM Shinzo Abe, as well as 600 plus legislators from the Americas and Europe.
There has also been an outpouring of support from the international press, with many media outlets publishing commentaries, editorials and reports in support of Taiwan, Wu said.
He urged the WHO secretariat to listen carefully to the clarion call of the international community, remain professional and neutral, resist interference from China and allow Taiwan to take part in all related activities, mechanisms and meetings. (SFC-E)