Joint Statement of All Party Caucuses of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
Given the spread of the severe pneumonia with novel pathogens caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as it has been designated by the World Health Organization, and in light of Taiwan’s geographic proximity to affected regions in the Mainland China, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) ought to participate in the World Health Organization and World Health Assembly so that it may effectively prevent and treat disease and ensure the health and welfare of the nation’s people. After consultation, all party caucuses of the Legislative Yuan make the following joint statement:
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WHO’s mission is to achieve the highest attainable standard of health for all of humankind and ensure the universal right to health. No one should be left out of this effort. As the most important international health organization in the world, WHO should commit itself to its mission instead of allowing Mainland China’s politicking to take precedence over the right of the people of Taiwan to the highest attainable standard of health. Nor should WHO erroneously include Taiwan as an area of Mainland China affected by COVID-19, as this has led certain countries to impose entry restrictions affecting Taiwanese and the suspension of flights to Taiwan. The Legislative Yuan strongly condemns Mainland China’s efforts to oppress Taiwan and obstruct its participation in WHO and WHA. We call on WHO to revise its information and not to list Taiwan as being an area of Mainland China affected by COVID-19.
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As a provider of international medical assistance, Taiwan has had rich, extensive development experience in universal health coverage, provision of emergency medical assistance, training of medical personnel, making donations to fight global epidemics, and creating a high standard of professional medical expertise in epidemic prevention, which can all be of valuable reference to other countries. Taiwan’s inclusion in the global disease prevention network would benefit many countries and help make WHO’s disease prevention efforts more effective.
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Taiwan is an international hub for transportation and logistics, finance, tourism, business, and trade. Close interactions with people from around the world make it all the more necessary for Taiwan to be included in the global disease prevention network. In light of the global fight against the COVID-19 epidemic, the international community—before, during, and after the 146th session of the WHO Executive Board—has offered broad recognition and support for Taiwan, insisting that it is important, necessary, and legitimate for Taiwan to be included in the global effort against epidemics. The Legislative Yuan calls on WHO to listen attentively to this global call for justice. It should observe professional neutrality, and speedily identify an appropriate method for fully including Taiwan in its operations.
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At this critical moment for fighting disease, the Legislative Yuan expresses its strongest support for the government’s continued efforts to seek participation in WHO. The government should enlist the support of diplomatic allies and like-minded nations to continue the push for Taiwan’s inclusion in WHA as well as full participation in all WHO disease prevention meetings, mechanisms, and activities so as to allow Taiwan to make professional, practical contributions to the world.