On Saturday, May 4th, the “Support Taiwan’s Participation in WHA” press conference was held at the Taiwan Center in San Jose to advocate for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA).
The document supporting Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly pointed out that the 77th World Health Assembly will take place from May 27th to June 1st in Geneva, Switzerland.
Regrettably, under pressure from the Chinese Communist Party, the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to unjustly reject Taiwan’s participation in the WHA purely for political reasons. This not only goes against the WHO’s vision of “Health for All” but also disrupts global public health cooperation and safety.
Twelve Taiwanese-American community organizations in Northern California, along with several prominent figures in the community, have signed in support of this campaign. Among them are Dr. Yeh Chun-Hsiung, Chairman of the Northern California Taiwan Center; Dr. Lin Jin-Tang, President of the Northern California Chapter of the North American Taiwanese Medical Association; various committees and associations supporting the cause.
Dr. Yeh Chun-Hsiung first read out the statement of support, followed by remarks from Deputy Director Chu Yong-Chang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, Director Zhuang Ya-Shu from the South Bay Overseas Chinese Educational Center, and other community leaders expressing their viewpoints.
Chu Yong-Chang stated, “The current International Health Regulations (IHR) of the World Health Organization are planning to discuss an agreement on future pandemics post the COVID-19 outbreak. It is well known that Taiwan performed exceptionally well during the COVID-19 pandemic and received international recognition for assisting other countries. However, because Taiwan is not a member of the WHO, for the 8th consecutive year, we have not received an invitation to the conference, preventing Taiwan from sharing its successful medical experiences with the world. This is not only Taiwan’s loss but also a great loss for the world!”
Zhuang Ya-Shu emphasized, “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that diseases and medical care have no borders. Excluding any country affects healthcare, hence the call on the international community to pay attention to Taiwan’s desire to join the WHA.”
Lin Jin-Tang pointed out the obstruction faced by Taiwan every May in participating in the WHA due to pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. He highlighted Taiwan’s National Health Insurance system being recognized by CEOWORLD magazine as one of the top 10 worldwide, contrasting it with the complexities and high costs of healthcare in the U.S.
Zhou Xin-Jie stated, “Yearly press conferences gradually yield results. Moreover, former Taiwanese Premier William Lai comes from a medical background, so we plan to invite him as an honorary chief consultant to enhance medical diplomacy between Taiwan and the U.S., garnering more support for Taiwan’s entry into the WHO.”
Lee Han-Wen reflected on the period between 2009 to 2016 when the Republic of China, under the name “Chinese Taipei,” was an observer at the WHO. UN Resolution 2758 did not involve decisions on Taiwan’s sovereignty, nor did it determine Taiwan’s final political status within the UN system. The misuse of Resolution 2758 by the Chinese mainland has excluded Taiwan from the international system, undermining Taiwan’s diplomatic relations and sovereignty decisions.
Dr. Fu Hong-Yu particularly emphasized that medical equipment manufactured in Taiwan, such as masks and testing tools, can benefit other countries. More importantly, when other countries are in urgent need, the Taiwanese people, known for their compassion, always extend a helping hand.
Zhang Jia-Zhou presented a banner made by the Chamber of Commerce in support of the campaign, stating, “San Francisco Bay Area Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce Supports Taiwan’s Participation in the World Health Organization.”
Finally, Zhang Zhi-Yang concluded by stating that having the mainland China represent Taiwan at the World Health Assembly is a joke and a lie. Similar to “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” the truth will eventually come to light!