Washington Post - Letters to the editor

Friday, April 25, 2003; Page A22

The April 22 editorial "China's Chernobyl" stressed the importance of pressing the Chinese government "in every way possible to become more open." And it was correct that "viruses know no political boundary."

Taiwan, victimized by China's coverup, has recorded dozens of cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome. But the World Health Organization consistently rejects Taiwan's plea for inclusion, and thus doctors in Taiwan have no direct access to the WHO's medical resources and receive no direct help against this threat.

Instead of focusing on the health needs of Taiwan's people, the WHO bases its decisions on China's opposition to Taiwan's membership. It is sad and ironic that the WHO itself is placing a nation's health in jeopardy.

Taiwan must be granted observer status at the WHO summit in Geneva next month, starting the country on the road to membership in the WHO and other international organizations.

MING H. CHOW

Centreville