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MOFA protests to OIE over downgraded status

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it lodged a protest with the World Organization for Animal Health (Office International des Epizooties or OIE) last night for adopting a motion that downgraded Taiwan's status in the international group.

The OIE passed the motion during its International Committee's 75th general session in Paris yesterday.

Earlier this week China had submitted a motion to change Taiwan's name within the OIE to "Taiwan, China" and to reduce its status to that of a "a non-sovereign regional member," stating that the government of the People of Republic of China (PRC) was the sole legal government representing the whole of China, including Taiwan.

After mediation by the US and the EU, the motion was altered to have Taiwan's title changed to "Chinese Taipei," although the proposal to downgrade the country's status was not changed.

The motion was approved by a vote of 113 to 12, with five abstentions, including that of Japan, the ministry said.

The ministry urged the OIE to correct China's politicized proposal. It also condemned Beijing for employing "political maneuvers" to oppress Taiwan's participation in international affairs.

Taiwan became a member of the OIE in 1954 under the name of "Republic of China (Taiwan)," but was forced to change its name to "Taipei China" after Beijing was admitted in 1992.

China remained unhappy with that appelation and continued to push the OIE to alter it.

Additional reporting by CNA
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