The MOFA thanks U.S. lawmakers for a letter sent to 55 countries and territories supporting Taiwan’s inclusion in activities, mechanisms and meetings of the World Health Organization. (MOFA)

Staunch bipartisan support from U.S. lawmakers for Taiwan’s participation in the activities, meetings and mechanisms of the World Health Organization is deeply appreciated, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said May 9.
 
Strong backing from the U.S. plays a pivotal role in cultivating support for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations, the ministry said. The government will continue working with its allies and like-minded partners to achieve the WHO’s goal of Health For All, it added.
 
The MOFA’s response follows a joint letter signed May 8 by Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Chairman James Risch and Ranking Member Robert Menendez as well as House Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Eliot Engel and Ranking Member Michael McCaul. The letter, which called on friends and allies to support Taiwan’s involvement in the WHO, was sent to 55 countries and territories including Australia, EU member states and the U.K.
 
In the letter, U.S. legislators highlighted Taiwan’s strengths in public health, citing its effective COVID-19 response measures and donation of over 10 million surgical masks to countries and territories around the world to help contain the pandemic.
 
Yet Taiwan’s ability to contribute to the global fight against the disease is undermined by China’s bullying tactics, the lawmakers said, adding that delays in exchanging information with Taiwan also endanger the health and safety of its 23 million people, needlessly putting lives at risk.
 
According to the legislators, the U.S. likewise rejects Beijing’s attempts to impose its position regarding Taiwan upon other U.N. member states on the grounds of United Nations General Assembly Resolution No. 2758, which does not address the issue or give China the right to represent the people of Taiwan.
 
Diseases do not respect borders, and politics should not be prioritized over global health and safety, the lawmakers said. Pushing for Taiwan’s participation in the upcoming World Health Assembly is the “right place to start,” they added.
 
Taiwan participated in the annual WHA as an observer from 2009 to 2016. The government is seeking a seat at the table for the 73rd meeting, set to take place online May 18-19. (YCH-E)