May 6, 2003

MEMORANDUM TO: OPINION LEADERS

FROM: GARY SCHMITT

SUBJECT: US Policy on Taiwan & WHO

It is a scandal that Taiwan - a vibrant, modern democracy of over 23 million people - is not a member of the World Health Organization (WHO). This is made even more obvious in the wake of the health crisis brought about by the outbreak of SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome. In contrast with China, a member of the WHO, Taiwan reacted quickly and openly to deal with its own SARS cases, offering cooperation with any and all governments and international organizations attempting to deal with the virus. And, of course, it is no less a problem for the world that Taiwan, which is still dealing with new cases of SARS, is not a member of the one body that is designed to handle health issues that have global implications.

On paper, the United States supports Taiwan's efforts to obtain at least "observer status" at the WHO. But Washington has repeatedly failed to take the lead in helping Taipei on this matter and, as a result, too little progress has been made in overcoming Beijing's objections. This passivity, of course, doesn't mean that the United States Government will not call on Taiwan when it suits its own needs. According to a report in the Taipei Times ("Taiwan Aids Diplomat's Sick Son," March 22), in late March, at the height of the SARS scare, a U.S. diplomat's child was flown from Vietnam to Taiwan for medical care. It appears now that the child did not have the virus but the fact remains that Americans could count on Taiwan. Isn't it about time that Washington step up to the plate and aggressively support Taiwan's case at the upcoming World Health Assembly meeting in Geneva in two weeks?