Geneva has lessons

It was on a cool, rainy day in Geneva when Taiwan's latest bid to join the World Health Organization (WHO) failed. During the afternoon plenary meeting on the opening day of the 58th World Health Assembly (WHA), the proposal to include the admission of Taiwan as a WHA observer in the provisional agenda was defeated.

The health ministers from Chad and Malawi spoke passionately in support of Taiwan, whereas the health ministers from Pakistan and China expressed opposition.

It was truly a sad day for Taiwan, as "health for all" is a basic human right, and should not be trampled upon by international politics.

The relentless interference by the Chinese government in the Taiwanese people's access to the WHO by the Taiwanese people is furthermore apparent from the statement that a Chinese official made during the meeting. His reiteration of the"one China" principle and claim that "Taiwan is a province of China" do not reflect reality, which is that Taiwan is a separate state.

The official's reference to the recent trips by Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) and People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) in his speech to show China's goodwill toward Taiwan should further warn us.

China's is to first divide and then to conquer Taiwan.

After Taiwan's failure to gain observership in the WHA, we should hold no false hope that China is ready to give Taiwan more breathing room in the international arena. Lessons we can learn from our Geneva experience are manifold.

First, the government of Taiwan should work ever more diligently to preserve, protect and defend the nation's freedom and democracy. It is of utmost importance to "correct our nation's name" to reflect the true political reality of Taiwan.

Furthermore, reforming our old Constitution or creating a new one will launch us into a new path that will give Taiwan more international recognition and the freedom to become a new member of the international community.

Second, opposition parties need to work with the governing party in passing legislation that is vital to safeguarding our democracy and strengthening our national defense. With regards to cross-strait relations, a consensus needs to be built to guide our future dealings with China.

Third, Taiwanese medical professionals should expand their involvement in international organizations. The most up-to-date medical knowledge and technology are presented in international medical meetings. Our participation in these activities guarantees that our medical personnel obtain the best and most current medical knowledge to benefit all Taiwanese.

Fourth, overseas Taiwanese should coordinate their grassroots efforts to solicit support for Taiwan from representatives in their host nations. Areas that are in urgent need of attention are the EU, Southeast Asia and South America.

Last, the people of Taiwan should hold their leaders and representatives accountable, through elections, for the legislative impasse that jeopardizes our national security or the cross-strait negotiations that compromise our sovereignty.

The lessons we learned from Geneva are of great importance. Failure to heed the warning can destroy Taiwan's very existence.

Chang Chih-hsiung
Montreat, North Carolina