Internal WHO Memo Causes Controversy

Kuan Bi-ling, a DPP legislator, handed out a "leaked" internal memo from the World Health Organization (WHO) which called into question the role of Taiwan within the International Health Regulations (IHR). The memo states: "Taiwan, as a province of China, cannot be party to the IHR" -- an assertion supported by China. The memo refers to World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolution 25.1, which ejected Taiwanese representatives to the WHO, and called it a "touchstone for such matters." Taiwan's ineligibility for the IHR is "consistent with that resolution."

This internal memo comes into direct contradiction with President Ma Ying-jeou's administration, which claims that Taiwan was indeed included into the IHR in 2009, when they were allowed to attend the annual WHA meeting as an observer. "There's no question about it. Taiwan has been a participant in the IHR since 2009," said a Taiwanese Department of Health official.

Another contentious issue stems from the listing of a former DOH deputy chief, Chang Shan-chwen, as being from "Taiwan, China," and also referring to Taiwan as "the Taiwan Province of China." Kuan stated "Our representatives apparently have to attend [WHO] expert sessions under the designation from [China] and Chang is no different." Chang immediately refused this statement saying "If something like this did happen, I would never have participated in the [WHO]."

At first glance, it seems suspicious that the only source is a DPP legislator, who undoubtedly has his own political agenda, but it is worth nothing that the Taipei Times has a reputation for supporting the Pan-Blue Coalition, which is headed by the KMT. Whether this is sneaky political move by the DPP or the KMT, it touches on a very delicate issue: the issue of Taiwan's role in international organizations. The majority of the world, and thus international organizations, views the CCP as being the sole legitimate government of China, leaving Taiwan isolated and with few friends. Events like the Olympics are careful to brand the Taiwanese teams as being from "Chinese Taipei" in efforts not to offend the mainland and also give recognition to Taiwanese participants. It is an issue that countries need to carefully tip-toe around, lest they bring up the more contentious aspects of the precarious status quo.