[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 66 (Friday, May 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SUPPORT OF TAIWAN'S FULL MEMBERSHIP IN THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2011

  Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress and a friend of 
Taiwan, I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me in supporting 
Taiwan's full membership in the World Health Organization, WHO.
  Since 2009, China has permitted Taiwan to participate in the annual 
summit of the WHO in Geneva on a restricted basis. This year's meeting 
will be held from May 16th to the 24th. While I certainly welcome 
Taiwan's participation in this important international body, I am also 
concerned about the restrictions that China has placed upon Taiwan's 
involvement.
  First, Taiwan's role in the WHO has been restricted to that of 
``observer status.'' This means that Taiwan does not have the ability 
to vote, speak, or participate in deliberations--they can only sit and 
listen. I believe that as a sovereign state, with a population of 23 
million people, Taiwan deserves full representation in the United 
Nations and its affiliated organizations. As such, Taiwan should be 
recognized as a full voting member of the WHO.
  As we all know, infectious disease knows no borders. Taiwan was 
affected in 2003 by an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 
(SARS) and the 2009 outbreak of the H1N1 virus. These events 
demonstrate the important role Taiwan plays in global health and the 
Nation should be recognized as such.
  Second, Taiwan is participating again this year as ``Chinese-
Taipei.'' I would prefer to see Taiwan recognized under its name 
``Taiwan'' rather than as a subsidiary of China.
  Lastly, I have grave concern with China's veto power over Taiwan's 
role on the international stage. Chinese approval should not be a 
prerequisite for Taiwanese participation in United Nations 
organizations, or any other international organization. Taiwan should 
not have to rely upon the goodwill of China to voice beyond its 
borders. Allowing this to become the international norm will undermine 
its current status as an independent, sovereign state.
  To close, I believe the United States should amend its current policy 
of supporting ``meaningful participation.'' I therefore urge my 
colleagues to join me in supporting Taiwan's full and equal membership 
in the WHO as well as other international organizations.

                          ____________________