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Taiwan's "Chinese Taipei" proposal shocks experts

ROC Central News Agency

2008-05-10 19:40:41

    Taipei, May 10 (CNA) Public health experts said Saturday that they were shocked by President-elect Ma Ying-jeou's suggestion that Taiwan should apply for observer status in the World Health Assembly (WHA) under the name "Chinese Taipei" and hope to communicate with the new government soon.

    Several experts showed their concern over the change of the new government's position toward Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization at a work shop held Saturday by the Foundation of Medical Professionals Alliance in Taiwan (FMPAT).

    The FMPAT, founded in 1992, has been very active not only in Taiwan's medical diplomacy but also human rights and democracy. It has mobilized support around the world to gather in Geneva and express their concern and anger over Taiwan's exclusion from the world health network.

    Asked if FMPAT's strategy of advocating Taiwan's participation in the WHA as an observer will change since the name "Chinese Taipei" seems to be Ma's preference, FMPAT chairman Wu Shu-min said, "the policy maker should not talk too much, and this is especially true for countries like Taiwan that are not strong nations. "But communication (between the associations and the new government) is very important, " said Wu, who is known for strongly advocating joining the WHO under the name "Taiwan."

    Hsu Yung-ming, associate professor of political science at Soochow University, said he didn't think it would be possible for Taiwan to gain WHA observer status even using the name "Chinese Taipei." "But on the other hand, the new name could be a new term that could help us fight for the best interests of the country," he said.

    Wu Yung-tung, a former council member of the World Medical Association and ambassador-at-large, said Ma's suggestion of using "Chinese Taipei" in applying for observer status was a "shock" to nongovernmental organizations. "The FMPAT and other organizations will try to communicate with President Ma after coming back from Geneva, " said Wu, who will go to Geneva to push Taiwan's participation in the WHA, which opens its annual meeting on May 19, only one day before Ma's administration will take office.

    He also urged the new government to encourage more societies and associations to collaborate on the issue, saying that domestic groups do not participate enough in the movement to join the WHA.

(By Emmanuelle Tzeng)

ENDITEM/ls