OPINION:
Daniel N. Hoffman’s March 26 piece, “Democratic Taiwan rises to virus challenge despite Beijing’s hostility,” highlights Taiwan’s extraordinary response to the COVID-19 outbreak, despite the diplomatic isolation China has imposed upon the island.
Even amid the current global health crisis, China has not given up its intensifying pressure campaign to exclude Taiwan from international organizations. Owing to China’s obstruction, in recent years Taiwan has been denied permission to attend the annual World Health Assembly and the World Health Orgainization’s meetings. This is unfair, unjustified and totally unacceptable to Taiwan.
However, after experiencing the SARS pandemic in 2003, Taiwan successfully took decisive measures early on (and ahead of the rest of the world) when it came to the coronavirus. Measures have included setting up a National Health Command Center, screening passengers, implementing border controls and stockpiling critical medical supplies.
On March 18, Taiwan and the United States issued a joint statement concerning the combatting of COVID-19. Moves include research and development of rapid tests, vaccines, medicines, tracing techniques and technology, and cooperation and exchange of medical supplies and equipment. When fighting the pandemic, cooperation is our best weapon. With its expertise, Taiwan is willing and able to work with the world to tackle the crisis. United we stand. Divided we fall.
STANLEY KAO
Representative
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States
Washington
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