[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 87 (Friday, May 19, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SUPPORT FOR TAIWAN PARTICIPATION IN THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. ROB BISHOP

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2017

  Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, the independent nation of Taiwan is 
a highly-advanced industrialized democracy which contributes greatly to 
the world economy, particularly in the area of high tech, and is a 
long-time stalwart ally of the United States. We congratulate President 
Tsai lng-wen on her one year anniversary as President of Taiwan.
  The economic and military ties between our two nations have been 
built steadily over the past several decades, and I believe that it is 
important that the U.S. remains committed to this important bilateral 
relationship.
  While our two countries have much to celebrate on this occasion, at 
the same time, some of the old diplomatic and political challenges are 
resurfacing which threaten Taiwan's participation as a constructive 
member of the global community. Recently, the World Health Organization 
(WHO), an arm of the United Nations, declined to invite Taiwan to 
participate in its annual World Health Assembly despite Taiwan's 
participation and contributions during the previous 8 years running.
  Mr. Speaker, this deliberate snub was politically motivated, and 
violated the WHO's Constitution by excluding the people of Taiwan for 
no legitimate reason. The 23 million citizens of Taiwan should not be 
denied access to this and future annual meetings, especially if the 
stated goal of the World Health Organization is to provide a better 
healthier future to all peoples of the world.
  I believe that the United States has an obligation to step forward 
and express strong disapproval of this WHO action.
  To ensure that there is no gap in the disease prevention network and 
that, together, all might work for the advancement of human health 
worldwide, it is imperative that the United States Congress and the 
Administration rise in full support for Taiwan in this matter. The WHO 
Secretariat should be admonished regarding its moral and legal 
obligation to uphold its charter of independence and impartiality. The 
WHO and its leadership should not be at the service of any member state 
in particular. I ask my colleagues to join me in voicing our support 
for Taiwan's full and meaningful participation in the WHO, as well 
other international organizations now and in the future.

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