Dominion Post published an article on May 18 titled "Taiwan's case for WHO status" which is very misleading. To set the record straight, an article written by the spokesman of the Chinese Embassy called "Why Taiwan is not in the WHO" has also been published on May 20 as a response to explain to the readers on China's positions and to expose the pretexts and the motives of that article.

The context of the article is as follows:

On 17 May, the 57th World Health Assembly (WHA) decided not to include on the agenda a proposal to invite Taiwan to participate as an observer in the WHA. Taiwan's attempt to create "two Chinas" in the World Health Organization failed again. This is the eighth such proposal put forth by Taiwan authorities and tabled by just a few WHO members since 1997.

Why have the Taiwan authorities failed time and again?

The answer is simple. The vast majority of the WHO members have realized the ulterior motives of Taiwan to create "one China, one Taiwan" or "two Chinas" in the WHO so as to make a political breakthrough. They don't want to see that WHO is distracted by political issues.

The WHO is a specialized agency of the UN and only sovereign States are eligible for its membership. The Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate representatives of the whole China to the United Nations and the World Health Organization.

As for the observers, they are either sovereign states, entities legally affirmed by international law, or international non-governmental organizations. Therefore, according to the Constitution of WHO and the rules of procedure of the WHA, Taiwan, as a part of China, is not qualified at all to be a member or associate member of the WHO, nor is it eligible to participate in the WHA as an observer. These resolutions are legally binding.

The Central Chinese Government of China always cares about the health conditions of the people of Taiwan Province and has expressed its sincerity to invite Taiwan to join the Chinese delegation to attend WHA. We are willing to start consultations under one China principle on proper ways that Taiwan could participate the technical activities of the WHO.

In fact, with the agreement of the Central Government, the WHO has started technical exchanges with Taiwan and Taiwan medical experts have attended several WHO technical meetings as representatives of non-governmental organizations that have links with the WHO.

Medical cooperation between the mainland of China, Taiwan and the WHO is not difficult. Medical experts from both sides of the Straits have been in frequent contact over the years.

Just a few days ago, the Chinese Government issued a statement on current cross-Straits relations. Seven suggestions have been put forward, such as the resumption of cross-strait dialogue and negotiation, realizing comprehensive, direct and two-way "three links" so as to facilitate commerce, trade, exchange, travel, tourism and other activities. As long as Taiwan authorities recognize "one China" principle, anything can be discussed.

The message of the Mainland and international communities is clear. There is only one China and Taiwan is a part of China. If Taiwan wants to share the dignity of the Chinese nation in the world, it must recognize "one China" principle. The Taiwan authorities' refusal of that is the real obstacle.

Zhang Wei
Spokesman
Embassy of the People's Republic of China