[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TAIWAN'S WHO MEMBERSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JOHN ABNEY CULBERSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2007

  Mr. CULBERSON. Madam Speaker, the government of Taiwan recently 
submitted a membership application to the World Health Organization. 
Since the objective of the WHO is ``the attainment by all peoples of 
the highest possible level of health,'' Taiwan's 23 million people must 
be considered. For years now, Taiwan has had no representation in the 
World Health Organization, which is a gross injustice due to Taiwan's 
health needs and Taiwan's potential contribution to the global health 
network.
  I support Taiwan's bid for membership and urge my colleagues to 
openly voice their support for Taiwan. At a minimum, Taiwan should be 
granted observer status at the World Health Assembly this May.
  Though Taiwan is now applying to the World Health Organization under 
the name of ``Taiwan,'' it does not mean there is any change to 
Taiwan's national status. Taiwan continues to be the same country as 
before and its Constitution has not changed. The use of the name 
``Taiwan'' represents a fresh start for the people of Taiwan and is 
commonly used around the world. Applying for WHO membership under the 
new name is consistent with Taiwan's past campaign for observer status 
in the World Health Assembly.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to lend their support to Taiwan's 
WHO application. No country should belittle Taiwan's sincere intent to 
be included in the global health network. Taiwan's bid to become a WHO 
member is too important to be sidetracked by political disagreements 
because disease knows no boundaries. It is time for China to drop its 
objections to Taiwan's bid and welcome the 23 million Taiwanese people 
to the World Health Organization. Taiwan has much to contribute to the 
health system in China and to all the countries in the world. Taiwan 
looks forward to fulfilling its obligations as a responsible global 
citizen and working with international health institutions through 
medical cooperation and emergency humanitarian work.

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