Fri, May 18, 2012 - Page 1 News List

US questions WHO’s name for Taiwan

WHO?A US State Department report voiced concern over Taiwan’s designation and barriers to Taiwanese efforts to join technical activities and consultations

By Shih Hsiu-chuan  /  Staff reporter, with CNA, Taipei and Washington

“For instance, in the way Taiwan ports are listed under the heading of China and in delayed communications with experts from Taiwan due to some communications being routed through Beijing or China’s mission in Geneva,” the report said.

Deputy foreign ministry spokesperson Steve Shia (夏季昌) said the government finds it “unacceptable” that the WHO consults with any other party about Taiwan before contacting Taiwan.

However, Shia reiterated the government’s contention that Taiwan and the WHO have been communicating with each other “directly” over IHR-related matters.

“We have been able to access to the WHO directly. We have never contacted the WHO through Beijing or the Chinese mission in Geneva as the US report said,” Shia said.

It’s “probably true” that the WHO talks to China before it contacts Taiwan, which was what the US was opposed to, Shia said, adding: “We do not accept that either.”

Shia said Taiwan would continue to lodge protests with the WHO.

The ministry also thanked the US government for its support of Taiwan’s participation in the WHA as an observer, Shia said.

The Department of Health received an invitation from Chan on April 5 to attend this year’s WHA as an observer.

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