With the outbreak of coronavirus, the campaign for Taiwan to enter the World Health Organization is back in the news, with multiple countries expressing their support in recent days. President Tsai Ing-wen reiterated the importance of Taiwan''s position in global health issues at a reception with European guests. Members of the Taiwan U.N. Alliance and the Global Taiwan Medical Alliance held a news conference at the legislature today. They blasted the WHO and International Civil Aviation Organization for excluding Taiwan from access to information about the coronavirus outbreak. Following the outbreak, international support for Taiwan''s entry to the WHO is growing. President Tsai addressed the issue during a meeting with European guests.Tsai Ing-wenPresidentAt present, due to political factors, Taiwan is still excluded from key U.N. organizations that handle disease prevention, including the WHO and the ICAO. It is particularly obvious at this time, when Taiwan is on the front lines of the coronavirus threat, that we should not be a weak link in international cooperation. I''m grateful the EU has expressed support for Taiwan''s entry to the WHO. Taiwan has the full capacity and the wish to contribute to the international community''s disease prevention efforts.The government''s line is supported by KMT figures including the Yunlin County commissioner and the party''s caucus whip. They have called for members of the public to show their support by signing a petition on the White House website.Chang Li-shanYunlin County commissionerAs part of Taiwan, we must take the lead and encourage all Taiwanese citizens to speak up, to let the world hear us, to tell the world what we want.Lin Wei-chouKMT caucus whipTaiwan''s interests come first. I think that''s something we should all agree on, across party lines. China''s obstruction has always been the reason why Taiwan has been unable to join the WHO and WHA.It''s clear the government and opposition are happy to put their differences aside on the health issue. Attaining prompt access to health updates, and being able to contribute medical expertise to the world, is a tangible "Taiwan consensus," officials said.
