State Department

March 20, 2002

Taiwan: Senate Bill on Observer Status at the World Health Organization

Question: What is the State Department's view on the Senate's adoption of HR 2739, a bill to authorize the Department to initiate a plan to endorse and obtain observer status for Taiwan at the May 13-17 World Health Assembly?

 Answer: The Department supports the overall goal of Taiwan's participation in the work of the World Health Organization (WHO) and has long worked closely with Taiwan authorities to advance that objective. We have urged the World Health Organization and its members to find appropriate ways for Taiwan to participate. We will continue to do so.  U.S. policy is to support Taiwan's membership in international organizations where statehood is not an issue. In those organizations in which it cannot be a member, we support finding ways for Taiwan's voice to be heard.