Despite exceptional results in containing Corona virus spread, Taiwan didn’t get a chair in Global talks.
Health officials from all over the World virtually came together in the last week of May at the World Health Assembly to hold discussion on how to tackle the pandemic that has been haunting the World since the start of the year 2020. Being the most vulnerable country to the Covid outbreak, Taiwan has made an applauding effort in containing the spread within the lowest time and was the first country to put out a quick response. Despite the progress the country has made in terms of technology adoption and healthcare infrastructure, the country is under the shadows of China.
Taiwan is the most successful country in protecting its citizens from the deadly pandemic. The efforts of containment can be attributed to the worst experience the country faced during the SARS outbreak. The country is a role model for many countries for its efforts to combat the virus. Yet, the country could not address the global stage on its achievement. China has been blocking Taiwan from its appearance in the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2016 claiming the island country to be its territory. Many countries around the world have demanded Taiwan’s presence and share its experience.
China has been criticized today at the global level for being the source of Pandemic and the missteps and misinformation shared globally. On the other hand, China’s Neighbor Taiwan has the backing of Japan, European Union, the United States and many other nations at least as an Observer. The island country’s disputes are long standing of nearly 7 decades which we will be discussing in this blog about the historical and ideological blocking that has avoided Taiwan’s global representation.
Why’s Taiwan Controversial?
Since 1949, Taiwan has self-governed after the Communist Party toppled the mainland government. Under the One China Policy, the mainland claims to be the rightful ruler of the island and would bring it under its administration if required by force.
Relations with the mainland have soured since Democratic Progressive Party took power in Taiwan led by Tsia Ing-wen. Many nations still consider Taiwan a sovereign country since it has its own army and currency. The Taiwan president has been opposing Chinese oppression over the country since she assumed power.
As of today, only 15 countries have diplomatic ties with Taiwan because of the pressure from China. Taiwan has continuously put efforts to be part of global organizations such a World Health organization in this case. More than global representation, the recognition will legitimize the claims of Taiwan.
Taiwan continued as an observer till 2016 and the new elected government’s sovereign claims have strained the relationship with its neighbor which has blocked its entry on WHO stage ever since. And the tremendous success in Covid fight has attracted additional backing for its recognition in the WHO stage. The entire calculation has been drastically changed with the amazing response the country gave to the outbreak.
How Covid 19 has changed things to Taiwan?
The astonishing success of Taiwan with only 446 cases and seven deaths among the population of 23 million. The success can be attributed to the bad experience from SARS, quick response, early border controls, mandatory quarantine to all visitors and many crucial steps. This noble effort has renewed the impetus and justification for Taiwan to be included in decision making on Global health.
Taiwan has received applause globally due to its transparency in the information and strategies they employed in the invisible battle. This has changed the view of the island country by nations across the world.
How is China’s reaction?
China has always refused foreign interference in its internal matters. Beijing has also openly condemned the nations from backing Taiwan’s claim in WHO. It has also accused the island of a bid to seek independence.
Through the state media, China has called on the United States to stop politicizing Taiwan’s claim and its response. China also threatened to cut bilateral ties with New Zealand for backing Taiwan. Chinese students have been advised to avoid studying in Australia on racial discrimination grounds since it called for an investigation into the Covid-19 outbreak.
China has got into show of support to distract the global community which is calling for an investigation into the source of the pandemic. Taiwan has increased military activity in the 180 km strait between the mainland and the island. Also, there is a stand-off with Indian Army in Galwan Valley in the Union Territory of Ladakh over border claims. To be clear, Beijing is not happy with World’s reaction to the outbreak.
Will WHO invite Taiwan?
The WHO has said that the attendance of Taiwan is upto the member nations’ consent. Though without membership. There is communication between WHO and Taiwan Health Official and there is transfer of information. There is also a speculation of Chinese use of force if the island further pushes for membership.
The Global Health community will definitely be rich with a member like Taiwan advocating the policies that could benefit developing and under-developed member countries.
