Taiwan on Thursday promised to settle Hong Kongers who have been fleeing the Chinese-ruled city due to political reasons, offering help from employment to counselling as China pushes new security legislation that has triggered fresh protests.

China has adopted the plan of imposing a new national security law on Hong Kong in the aftermath of last year's violent unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997.

The country’s legislature on Thursday nearly unanimously approved the plan to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism, foreign interference and any act that might threaten national security in the semi-autonomous city.

Hong Kong's demonstrators have won widespread sympathy in democratic Taiwan, which China considers as its territory to be taken by force, if necessary. Taiwan has shown no interest in being ruled by autocratic China.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen this week became the first world leader to pledge specific measures to help people from Hong Kong who may leave the former British colony due to the new legislation, a move that is certain to sour already poor ties between Taipei and Beijing.

Chen Ming-tong, head of Taiwan's top China-policy maker, the Mainland Affairs Council, told parliament the government will establish an organisation to deliver "humanitarian relief" that includes settlement and employment in a joint effort with activists groups.

He said counselling services will also be available for Hong Kongers, some of whom may take part in increasingly violent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

Chen also urged the public not use the word "refugee" as it could be "emotionally harmful" for people from the city.

Chen, however, did not give details such as scale, timing and qualification of the relief programme when pressed by lawmakers, saying the government is still working on the details.

Help for Hong Kong has won rare bipartisan support in politically polarised Taiwan and three opposition parties have introduced bills to make it easier for Hong Kongers to live in Taiwan if they have to leave the city due to political reasons.

Taiwan has no law on refugees that could be applied to protesters seeking asylum, but its laws promise to help Hong Kongers whose safety and liberty are threatened for political reasons.

Some say Tsai's government is not moving fast enough.

Ivan Tang, a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, welcomed Tsai's support but cautioned a sense of urgency among protesters in the city, some of whom had been barred from entering Taiwan due to travel restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Taiwan has become a popular destination for Hong Kongers leaving the city, with the number of Hong Kong citizens granted Taiwan residency jumping 150% to 2,383 in the first four months of 2020 compared with a year ago, official data shows.

University applications to Taiwan from Hong Kong also rose 62% in 2020 from a year ago, and island's education ministry said this week it was planning to raise the quota for Hong Kong students.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Taiwan on Thursday promised to settle Hong Kongers who have been fleeing the Chinese-ruled city due to political reasons, offering help from employment to counselling as China pushes new security legislation that has triggered fresh protests.

Taiwan on Thursday promised to settle Hong Kongers who have been fleeing the Chinese-ruled city due to political reasons, offering help from employment to counselling as China pushes new security legislation that has triggered fresh protests. China has adopted the plan of imposing a new national security law on Hong Kong in the aftermath of last year's violent unrest that plunged the city into its deepest turmoil since returning to Chinese rule in 1997. The country’s legislature on Thursday nearly unanimously approved the plan to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism, foreign interference and any act that might threaten national security in the semi-autonomous city. Hong Kong's demonstrators have won widespread sympathy in democratic Taiwan, which China considers as its territory to be taken by force, if necessary. Taiwan has shown no interest in being ruled by autocratic China. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen this week became the first world leader to pledge specific measures to help people from Hong Kong who may leave the former British colony due to the new legislation, a move that is certain to sour already poor ties between Taipei and Beijing. Chen Ming-tong, head of Taiwan's top China-policy maker, the Mainland Affairs Council, told parliament the government will establish an organisation to deliver "humanitarian relief" that includes settlement and employment in a joint effort with activists groups. He said counselling services will also be available for Hong Kongers, some of whom may take part in increasingly violent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Chen also urged the public not use the word "refugee" as it could be "emotionally harmful" for people from the city. Chen, however, did not give details such as scale, timing and qualification of the relief programme when pressed by lawmakers, saying the government is still working on the details. Help for Hong Kong has won rare bipartisan support in politically polarised Taiwan and three opposition parties have introduced bills to make it easier for Hong Kongers to live in Taiwan if they have to leave the city due to political reasons. Taiwan has no law on refugees that could be applied to protesters seeking asylum, but its laws promise to help Hong Kongers whose safety and liberty are threatened for political reasons. Some say Tsai's government is not moving fast enough. Ivan Tang, a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, welcomed Tsai's support but cautioned a sense of urgency among protesters in the city, some of whom had been barred from entering Taiwan due to travel restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic. Taiwan has become a popular destination for Hong Kongers leaving the city, with the number of Hong Kong citizens granted Taiwan residency jumping 150% to 2,383 in the first four months of 2020 compared with a year ago, official data shows. University applications to Taiwan from Hong Kong also rose 62% in 2020 from a year ago, and island's education ministry said this week it was planning to raise the quota for Hong Kong students. (with inputs from Reuters)

Taiwan promises help for fleeing Hong Kongers

While WHO is the wing of the United Nations, there is a subtle difference between the functioning style of WHO and expectations from it.

The UN is essentially a politically tinted organisation with membership for some countries being denied in the UN due to political reasons. For example, Taiwan is not a member of UN since China claims that Taiwan is part of China and it would seriously object if Taiwan would be given the membership of the UN.

Obviously, membership of the UN is being denied to some countries in view of the objections from the “powerful country”.

Several decades back, Bangladesh was part of Pakistan. After the bitter war, Bangladesh declared itself to be an independent country and was admitted as a member of the UN. Pakistan could not prevent Bangladesh from becoming a full-fledged member of the UN &nbsp;since Pakistan is a “weak country”. Later on, Pakistan itself recognised Bangladesh as a matter of inevitability.

While Taiwan has been denied membership of the UN due to objection from mainland China, almost every country in the world has trade and business relations with Taiwan including the Chinese government. Many industries from Taiwan have invested in mainland China and the Chinese government has no objection to it.

This situation shows that Taiwan has been accepted as a full-fledged country all over the world, though the UN denied membership to it.

WHO is founded with the objective of protecting the health of the world community, covering all citizens of the world. Therefore, WHO should represent the interest of every member of the world community, whether the community belongs to a country admitted in UN or not or even stateless persons.

For example, WHO is extremely concerned about the health issues of Rohingya refugees, though they are deemed to be stateless persons as of now, as they are refugees who have run out of Myanmar and staying in Bangladesh territory, without anyone knowing as to whether they would go back to Myanmar at any time or would permanently stay in Bangladesh, even without being given citizenship in Bangladesh, which means that they should be deemed as stateless persons.

When WHO expresses concern about the health issues of Myanmar refugees, is it right for WHO &nbsp;to keep its eyes closed with regard to Taiwan?

As a world organisation, it is the responsibility of WHO to monitor the health of world community, WHO cannot deny admission to any country in the world and it should not follow the practice of UN, &nbsp;which is a politically tinted organisation.

WHO should not buckle under the pressure of the Chinese government to keep Taiwan out.&nbsp;

At present, Taiwan is a well-advanced country with a strong technology background and it is very well evident from the fact that Taiwan pointed out the impending COVID 19 crisis quite early and brought it to the attention of &nbsp;WHO. If WHO had listened to Taiwan’s voice and heeded to it’s warning about the COVID 19, probably, the world could have been saved from the loss of thousands of lives and serious economic slow down that is confronting the world due to COVID 19 at present.

Whatever may be the political relationship between the Chinese government and Taiwan, there is no need for WHO to take note of it or being concerned about it.

WHO has the responsibility to protect the health interests of the entire world community and the citizens of Taiwan are part of the world community. 
&nbsp;

While WHO is the wing of the United Nations, there is a subtle difference between the functioning style of WHO and expectations from it. The UN is essentially a politically tinted organisation with membership for some countries being denied in the UN due to political reasons.

While WHO is the wing of the United Nations, there is a subtle difference between the functioning style of WHO and expectations from it. The UN is essentially a politically tinted organisation with membership for some countries being denied in the UN due to political reasons. For example, Taiwan is not a member of UN since China claims that Taiwan is part of China and it would seriously object if Taiwan would be given the membership of the UN. Obviously, membership of the UN is being denied to some countries in view of the objections from the “powerful country”. Several decades back, Bangladesh was part of Pakistan. After the bitter war, Bangladesh declared itself to be an independent country and was admitted as a member of the UN. Pakistan could not prevent Bangladesh from becoming a full-fledged member of the UN since Pakistan is a “weak country”. Later on, Pakistan itself recognised Bangladesh as a matter of inevitability. While Taiwan has been denied membership of the UN due to objection from mainland China, almost every country in the world has trade and business relations with Taiwan including the Chinese government. Many industries from Taiwan have invested in mainland China and the Chinese government has no objection to it. This situation shows that Taiwan has been accepted as a full-fledged country all over the world, though the UN denied membership to it. WHO is founded with the objective of protecting the health of the world community, covering all citizens of the world. Therefore, WHO should represent the interest of every member of the world community, whether the community belongs to a country admitted in UN or not or even stateless persons. For example, WHO is extremely concerned about the health issues of Rohingya refugees, though they are deemed to be stateless persons as of now, as they are refugees who have run out of Myanmar and staying in Bangladesh territory, without anyone knowing as to whether they would go back to Myanmar at any time or would permanently stay in Bangladesh, even without being given citizenship in Bangladesh, which means that they should be deemed as stateless persons. When WHO expresses concern about the health issues of Myanmar refugees, is it right for WHO to keep its eyes closed with regard to Taiwan? As a world organisation, it is the responsibility of WHO to monitor the health of world community, WHO cannot deny admission to any country in the world and it should not follow the practice of UN, which is a politically tinted organisation. WHO should not buckle under the pressure of the Chinese government to keep Taiwan out. At present, Taiwan is a well-advanced country with a strong technology background and it is very well evident from the fact that Taiwan pointed out the impending COVID 19 crisis quite early and brought it to the attention of WHO. If WHO had listened to Taiwan’s voice and heeded to it’s warning about the COVID 19, probably, the world could have been saved from the loss of thousands of lives and serious economic slow down that is confronting the world due to COVID 19 at present. Whatever may be the political relationship between the Chinese government and Taiwan, there is no need for WHO to take note of it or being concerned about it. WHO has the responsibility to protect the health interests of the entire world community and the citizens of Taiwan are part of the world community.

By excluding Taiwan, WHO remains a flawed organisation

Taiwan has expressed to offer help Hong Kong as China tightens its grip over the country. Taiwan's laws already provide help to Hong Kong citizens for safety and threat for political reasons. Watch report

Taiwan vows 'necessary' aid to Hong Kong people: Supports HK protest

Taiwan has become a refuge for a small but growing number of pro-democracy protesters fleeing Hong Kong

WION Fineprint: Taiwan promises necessary support to Hong Kong

The United States urged China to respect Hong Kong's autonomy, warning that its proposed national security law for the city would be "highly destabilising" and face global opposition.

US law calls for sanctions if HK's autonomy is violated

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Hong Kong's freedom and democracy under threat: Taiwan comes in HK's support

As Hong Kong erupts into protest mode again to counter China’s national security law for the city, Taiwan has pledged support to the people of Hong Kong.

The people will receive “necessary assistance” from Taiwan, hinted President Tsai Ing-wen.

Over time, many pro-democracy protesters who fled Hong Kong found safe refuge in Taiwan, especially over the last 12 months.

Just yesterday, Hong Kong police fired tear gas and used water cannons against protesters who defied Beijing.

In pictures:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-take-to-streets-in-hong-kong-to-oppose-chinas-controversial-law-300786">Thousands take to streets in Hong Kong to oppose China's controversial law</a>

Tsai called the proposed law a serious threat to the freedom and judicial independence guaranteed to Hong Kong. She further added that bullets are not the ideal tool for dealing with the crisis.

“In face of the changing situation, the international community has proactively stretched out a helping hand to Hong Kong’s people,” Tsai wrote in a Facebook post.

“[Taiwan will] even more proactively perfect and forge ahead with relevant support work, and provide Hong Kong’s people with necessary assistance,’” she added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/taiwan-vows-necessary-aid-to-hong-kong-people-supports-hk-protest-300840/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Even though Taiwan has no refugee protection laws that may be used to protect protesters, the country’s laws can intervene and help people whose safety and liberty are under threat.

Taipei and Beijing share a historically strained relationship, and most anti-China sentiment, like the ongoing Hong Kong protests have received support across Taiwan.

Hong Kong’s security chief on Monday referred to the protests as “terrorism”.

“Terrorism is growing in the city and activities which harm national security, such as ‘Hong Kong independence’, become more rampant,” Secretary for Security John Lee said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/chinas-proposed-security-law-for-hong-kong-could-lead-to-us-sanctions-says-white-house-300793" hreflang="en">China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, says White House</a>

“In just a few months, Hong Kong has changed from one of the safest cities in the world to a city shrouded in the shadow of violence,” he added.

China believes that Taiwan is indirectly supporting protesters in Hong Kong and has referred to Tsai as a “separatist” who seeks independence for Taiwan.

Tsai has asserted the freedom of Taiwan, calling it an independent country, with the Republic of China as its official name.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

As Hong Kong erupts into protest mode again to counter China’s national security law for the city, Taiwan has pledged support to the people of Hong Kong. The people will receive “necessary assistance” from Taiwan, hinted President Tsai Ing-wen.

As Hong Kong erupts into protest mode again to counter China’s national security law for the city, Taiwan has pledged support to the people of Hong Kong. The people will receive “necessary assistance” from Taiwan, hinted President Tsai Ing-wen. Over time, many pro-democracy protesters who fled Hong Kong found safe refuge in Taiwan, especially over the last 12 months. Just yesterday, Hong Kong police fired tear gas and used water cannons against protesters who defied Beijing. In pictures: Thousands take to streets in Hong Kong to oppose China's controversial law Tsai called the proposed law a serious threat to the freedom and judicial independence guaranteed to Hong Kong. She further added that bullets are not the ideal tool for dealing with the crisis. “In face of the changing situation, the international community has proactively stretched out a helping hand to Hong Kong’s people,” Tsai wrote in a Facebook post. “[Taiwan will] even more proactively perfect and forge ahead with relevant support work, and provide Hong Kong’s people with necessary assistance,’” she added. Even though Taiwan has no refugee protection laws that may be used to protect protesters, the country’s laws can intervene and help people whose safety and liberty are under threat. Taipei and Beijing share a historically strained relationship, and most anti-China sentiment, like the ongoing Hong Kong protests have received support across Taiwan. Hong Kong’s security chief on Monday referred to the protests as “terrorism”. “Terrorism is growing in the city and activities which harm national security, such as ‘Hong Kong independence’, become more rampant,” Secretary for Security John Lee said in a statement. Also read: China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, says White House “In just a few months, Hong Kong has changed from one of the safest cities in the world to a city shrouded in the shadow of violence,” he added. China believes that Taiwan is indirectly supporting protesters in Hong Kong and has referred to Tsai as a “separatist” who seeks independence for Taiwan. Tsai has asserted the freedom of Taiwan, calling it an independent country, with the Republic of China as its official name. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Taiwan will provide 'necessary assistance' to protesters in Hong Kong

Why was Taiwan not on the agenda of the World Health Assembly? Two days ago, Taiwan's Foreign Minister said that his country is postponing its bid for an observer status at the WHO. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you what could have led to that decision.

Gravitas: Why no seat for Taiwan at WHO

At her oath taking ceremony today, Tsai Ing-wen sent a strong message to China. Tsai said that Taiwan cannot accept becoming a part of China under its 'one country, two systems' model. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Taiwan: Tsai Ing-wen takes oath for a second time

On Monday, the WHO will hold a vote to determine whether Taiwan should be allowed to participate as an observer. Which way will India vote? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why India must consider a shift in its stand, and back Taiwan.

Gravitas: Will India vote in favour of Taiwan on Monday?

Memes, music, dance routines, and make-up tutorials. Tiktok is not an entertainment platform. 
&nbsp; 
It is a propaganda tool of the Chinese Communist Party. Tiktok has told its moderators to censor content against the Chinese government, for example,&nbsp;those mentioning the Dalai Lama or Tibet. 
&nbsp; 
The email was reportedly sent to Tiktok's team in India. The target was Indian content although we cannot independently verify&nbsp;the authenticity of the email.

TikTok is owned by Bytedance. It is a Chinese tech company headquartered in Beijing.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
E-mail done by TikTok to their India employees for removing anything which is against Chinese Government, especially Tibet and Dalai Lama! 
 
Is this your way China to curb the Freedom of Speech across the globe? <a href="https://t.co/6ujBAcRogd">pic.twitter.com/6ujBAcRogd</a>
— Zankrut Oza (@zankrut) <a href="https://twitter.com/zankrut/status/1261545706533289984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In 2018, Bytedance founder Zhang Yiming made a pledge to the Chinese government. Zhang promised to ensure party “voices are broadcast to strength.”

"Further deepening cooperation with authoritative [official party] media, elevating distribution of authoritative media content, ensuring that authoritative [official party] media voices are broadcast to strength, " Zhang said.

Over the last 2 years, TikTok has been adhering to the&nbsp;pledge. It has systematically removed anti-China content from its platform.

There is growing global support for Taiwan right now, it is not surprising that TikTok wants to do away with the very mention of Taiwan or Tibet and the Dalai Lama.&nbsp;

TikTok has previously asked its censors to moderate a range of videos.&nbsp;

Those mentioning Tiananmen Square or Tibetian independence or banned religious group - Falun Gong and&nbsp;videos mentioning Hong Kong protests were taken down. As were those talking about the plight of Uighur Muslims.

Community guidelines are on its website but without any specifics. Despite guidelines against violent content, TikTok is filled with animal abuse content.

TikTok is like a hidden medicine in a dog's food bowl. There are tons of fun videos and that makes it impossible to realise that it may also be part of Chinese propaganda.

Tiktok is an undercover Chinese foreign policy tool. If authentic, the&nbsp;email spells global information war. Banning TikTok would be India's best reply to the thread.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-guidelines-for-content-that-goes-against-china-tiktok-to-wion-299931">Also read | TikTok's clarification to Wion's story</a>

Memes, music, dance routines, and make-up tutorials. Tiktok is not an entertainment platform. It is a propaganda tool of the Chinese Communist Party. Tiktok has told its moderators to censor content against the Chinese government, for example, those mentioning the Dalai Lama or Tibet.

Memes, music, dance routines, and make-up tutorials. Tiktok is not an entertainment platform. It is a propaganda tool of the Chinese Communist Party. Tiktok has told its moderators to censor content against the Chinese government, for example, those mentioning the Dalai Lama or Tibet. The email was reportedly sent to Tiktok's team in India. The target was Indian content although we cannot independently verify the authenticity of the email. TikTok is owned by Bytedance. It is a Chinese tech company headquartered in Beijing. E-mail done by TikTok to their India employees for removing anything which is against Chinese Government, especially Tibet and Dalai Lama! Is this your way China to curb the Freedom of Speech across the globe? pic.twitter.com/6ujBAcRogd — Zankrut Oza (@zankrut) May 16, 2020 × In 2018, Bytedance founder Zhang Yiming made a pledge to the Chinese government. Zhang promised to ensure party “voices are broadcast to strength.” "Further deepening cooperation with authoritative [official party] media, elevating distribution of authoritative media content, ensuring that authoritative [official party] media voices are broadcast to strength, " Zhang said. Over the last 2 years, TikTok has been adhering to the pledge. It has systematically removed anti-China content from its platform. There is growing global support for Taiwan right now, it is not surprising that TikTok wants to do away with the very mention of Taiwan or Tibet and the Dalai Lama. TikTok has previously asked its censors to moderate a range of videos. Those mentioning Tiananmen Square or Tibetian independence or banned religious group - Falun Gong and videos mentioning Hong Kong protests were taken down. As were those talking about the plight of Uighur Muslims. Community guidelines are on its website but without any specifics. Despite guidelines against violent content, TikTok is filled with animal abuse content. TikTok is like a hidden medicine in a dog's food bowl. There are tons of fun videos and that makes it impossible to realise that it may also be part of Chinese propaganda. Tiktok is an undercover Chinese foreign policy tool. If authentic, the email spells global information war. Banning TikTok would be India's best reply to the thread. Also read | TikTok's clarification to Wion's story

TikTok: An entertainment platform or Chinese propaganda company?

Coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to revisit its position on many global issues, and participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA) forum&nbsp;scheduled next week, is one of them. WHA is the world's highest health policy-setting body, through which the World Health Organisation (WHO) is governed by its 194 member states. The main task of the WHA is to decide on main international policy frameworks related to global health, approve WHO work programmes and its budget, and pass international health resolutions. Its tasks, especially at the time of the pandemic, indicate that it has to globally inclusive; hence cannot be seen to be isolating a particular segment of humanity from its programmes and participation.&nbsp;

In the context of the above, Taiwan was invited on 28 April 2009 to participate in the WHA 2009 as an observer for the first time since losing its China seat in United Nations to People's Republic of China in 1971, despite ‘One China Policy’. In 2016, subsequent to democratic elections in Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen of DPP was sworn in as President. China was utterly uncomfortable with that applied political pressure on WHA. In May 2017, WHA succumbed to Chinese pressure to completely exclude Taiwan from its observer list. It was poor precedence in the history of WHA/UN.

What has changed Now?&nbsp;

Taiwan's success in combatting COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in global perception and US-led demand, supported by many nations for reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, despite China's reminder&nbsp;of &nbsp;‘One-China’ policy. Taiwan just off the coast of China was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China undergoing frequent travels. Considering the risk, having only 440 cases with seven deaths so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) established after the SARS outbreak, including border control (air and sea), efficient management of pandemic, resources, technological innovations and many other best practices, relevant for the world community. It has also dented Chinese narrative that an autocratic regime can handle the pandemic better than democracy. This has led to many countries expanding ties with Taiwan to bolster their own COVID-19 responses and recalibration of their Taiwan policy.&nbsp;

Global politics over health Issue&nbsp;

In March 2020, the US administration enacted Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act (TAIPEI Act), aimed at supporting Taiwan’s international presence. US is backing Taiwan’s “appropriate role” in the WHO, along with Japan, New Zealand, UK, Canada, Australia, France, many European and developing countries. Many countries are thankful to Taiwan for grant of much-needed resource assistance in combating pandemic, while many are collaborating in research and development, contact-tracing, and scientific engagements. This has further angered China, which is being increasingly seen as exploiting other countries during pandemic, by coercive adventurism in the strategic and military domain, besides profiteering out of pandemic. Many countries are also looking at WHA for consensus on asking for investigations regarding various aspects of the outbreak of COVID-19, delayed warnings, alleged slackness of WHO in a timely declaration of pandemic and ignoring Taiwan’s inputs, to prevent global reoccurrence.&nbsp;

Taiwan has own reasons to demand international participation, as a democratic society, having elected government, own constitution, own defence forces, own currency, strong economy with a population exceeding more than three-quarters of the world’s nations; and territory larger than two-fifths of the world’s nations. A recent survey has indicated that most Taiwanese want to identify themselves as Taiwanese and not Chinese and support closer ties with the US. A global consensus seems to be emerging for Taiwan’s access to the WHO and other multilateral agencies, much against Chinese opposition.&nbsp;

What should India do?&nbsp;

India, ready to take over as the chairperson of the WHO’s executive decision making body at the end of May, needs to take a stand on whether to support the US-led multinational demand of reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, or listen to Chinese argument of ‘One China Policy’. Taiwan is an important partner in the global fight against the pandemic, besides being an important potential commercial and technological investor. Its donation of about one million surgical masks to help India during pandemic should not be ignored. Strategically, most strategic partners/Quad members seem convinced about Taiwan’s re-entry into WHA, a fact which India cannot overlook. In my opinion, India must set aside global politics and take a moral position for Taiwan to be in WHA to share its best practices, in view of the unprecedented global pandemic requiring entire humanity to be together to combat COVID-19.

Likely outcome&nbsp;

Despite all the efforts of the global community for Taiwan’s reentry as an observer in WHA, it may still not materialise due to technical reasons, as WHO could insist on approval from all its 194 members, before it can send out an invitation to Taiwan, which may not be possible. The demand for medical investigation might remain restricted to ‘Investigation by WHO’, which is unlikely to yield any result because of the high possibility of destruction of evidence.&nbsp;It will, therefore, build up a strong case in support of Taiwan by the global community, thereby putting pressure on China for the future.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to revisit its position on many global issues, and participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA) forum scheduled next week, is one of them.

Coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to revisit its position on many global issues, and participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA) forum scheduled next week, is one of them. WHA is the world's highest health policy-setting body, through which the World Health Organisation (WHO) is governed by its 194 member states. The main task of the WHA is to decide on main international policy frameworks related to global health, approve WHO work programmes and its budget, and pass international health resolutions. Its tasks, especially at the time of the pandemic, indicate that it has to globally inclusive; hence cannot be seen to be isolating a particular segment of humanity from its programmes and participation. In the context of the above, Taiwan was invited on 28 April 2009 to participate in the WHA 2009 as an observer for the first time since losing its China seat in United Nations to People's Republic of China in 1971, despite ‘One China Policy’. In 2016, subsequent to democratic elections in Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen of DPP was sworn in as President. China was utterly uncomfortable with that applied political pressure on WHA. In May 2017, WHA succumbed to Chinese pressure to completely exclude Taiwan from its observer list. It was poor precedence in the history of WHA/UN. What has changed Now? Taiwan's success in combatting COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in global perception and US-led demand, supported by many nations for reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, despite China's reminder of ‘One-China’ policy. Taiwan just off the coast of China was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China undergoing frequent travels. Considering the risk, having only 440 cases with seven deaths so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) established after the SARS outbreak, including border control (air and sea), efficient management of pandemic, resources, technological innovations and many other best practices, relevant for the world community. It has also dented Chinese narrative that an autocratic regime can handle the pandemic better than democracy. This has led to many countries expanding ties with Taiwan to bolster their own COVID-19 responses and recalibration of their Taiwan policy. Global politics over health Issue In March 2020, the US administration enacted Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act (TAIPEI Act), aimed at supporting Taiwan’s international presence. US is backing Taiwan’s “appropriate role” in the WHO, along with Japan, New Zealand, UK, Canada, Australia, France, many European and developing countries. Many countries are thankful to Taiwan for grant of much-needed resource assistance in combating pandemic, while many are collaborating in research and development, contact-tracing, and scientific engagements. This has further angered China, which is being increasingly seen as exploiting other countries during pandemic, by coercive adventurism in the strategic and military domain, besides profiteering out of pandemic. Many countries are also looking at WHA for consensus on asking for investigations regarding various aspects of the outbreak of COVID-19, delayed warnings, alleged slackness of WHO in a timely declaration of pandemic and ignoring Taiwan’s inputs, to prevent global reoccurrence. Taiwan has own reasons to demand international participation, as a democratic society, having elected government, own constitution, own defence forces, own currency, strong economy with a population exceeding more than three-quarters of the world’s nations; and territory larger than two-fifths of the world’s nations. A recent survey has indicated that most Taiwanese want to identify themselves as Taiwanese and not Chinese and support closer ties with the US. A global consensus seems to be emerging for Taiwan’s access to the WHO and other multilateral agencies, much against Chinese opposition. What should India do? India, ready to take over as the chairperson of the WHO’s executive decision making body at the end of May, needs to take a stand on whether to support the US-led multinational demand of reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, or listen to Chinese argument of ‘One China Policy’. Taiwan is an important partner in the global fight against the pandemic, besides being an important potential commercial and technological investor. Its donation of about one million surgical masks to help India during pandemic should not be ignored. Strategically, most strategic partners/Quad members seem convinced about Taiwan’s re-entry into WHA, a fact which India cannot overlook. In my opinion, India must set aside global politics and take a moral position for Taiwan to be in WHA to share its best practices, in view of the unprecedented global pandemic requiring entire humanity to be together to combat COVID-19. Likely outcome Despite all the efforts of the global community for Taiwan’s reentry as an observer in WHA, it may still not materialise due to technical reasons, as WHO could insist on approval from all its 194 members, before it can send out an invitation to Taiwan, which may not be possible. The demand for medical investigation might remain restricted to ‘Investigation by WHO’, which is unlikely to yield any result because of the high possibility of destruction of evidence. It will, therefore, build up a strong case in support of Taiwan by the global community, thereby putting pressure on China for the future. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why does India need to back Taiwan’s reentry to the World Health Assembly?

World Health Organisation's World Health Assembly will be held on May 18 virtually but China is blocking Taiwan's participation. Will Taiwan be allowed to participate in the meeting after all the island nation has contributed a lot to the world on raising COVID-19 awareness. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Will Taiwan participate in WHO meeting?

Come May 22, India will assume the lead position at the first meeting of the WHO executive board at World Health Assembly conference. Being the first global congregation of WHO after the outbreak of COVID-19, this event has for obvious reasons garnered great significance. For India, along with curating a global response to the pandemic, what has become a bigger policy question is whether or not to include Taiwan in the executive body.&nbsp;

The relentless pursuance of US and Australia in the matter has put India under the spot. Its decision, hence, will determine the ability of the “anti-China” lobby to achieve anything beyond bold press statements. It is among the first attempts of a collective global response to stop the Chinese juggernaut, it has become all the more important.

For Xi personally, if there’s any perceived cult deficit between himself and Mao, the outcome may either plug it or put a permanent dent on his carefully cultivated legacy. Aspects shadowing Xi’s political future forms the focus of this article.

Despite Xi’s strong anti-corruption drive, efforts to modernise the army and further integrate China into the global supply chain, his Presidency has been less than convincing given a host of issues that have propped up since his ascent to the top post.

China’s continuous dip in the economic growth rate since 2013 is a telling story. In 2019, even before the pandemic hit the Chinese economy, the country’s GDP grew at 6.1 per cent, the slowest rate of economic growth since 1990. Last year, it recorded its lowest industrial output since 2002. The COVID-19 has accelerated this decline and the unemployment rate, consequently, has seen a steady increase.

The official figures put unemployment rates at 6.2 per cent but private research reports cite a far higher number. One such report put the real jobless rate at 20.5 per cent with 70 million unemployed, while another suggested that the pandemic may have pushed 205 million Chinese workers into uncertain employment.&nbsp;

Chinese social media provides an insight into growing resentment among the Chinese against the party leadership. On Douyin, China’s version of Tiktok, The Internationale - a left-wing anthem known for workers’ movement has become widely used background music, highlighting growing displeasure in the worker class.

The Belt and Road Initiative, Xi’s flagship program, has run into various troubles within the first decade. As of the second quarter of 2018, China’s non-performing assets in the BRI had reached $101.8 billion, and reports suggest at least $ 200 billion of lendings that are not on paper. Some of the investments have turned out to be outright foolish with seemingly no plan for recovery of the invested money. Take for instance the rail network spanning tens of thousands of kilometres connecting China to far European cities.&nbsp;

Xi has incentivised the local governments to create bubbles of ever-flourishing railway demand while in reality most of these trains run empty to Europe and back. The neglect of economics is such that even cities on the east, having easy access to ports have joined the Eurasian rail network. With diplomatic relations with Europe at their worst, an increasing number of nations reconsidering their involvement in BRI, failure stories in pivotal areas, and ever-growing debt on Chinese central banks, Xi’s ‘legacy’ initiative has set itself for eventual death.&nbsp;

To add to the economic nightmare Xi has found himself in, corporations from across the world are trying to shift their bases outside of China. Reports have emerged that Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is in touch with at least 100 US companies looking to move out of China. German footwear company Von Wellx has already shifted entire production from China to India. China’s contemporaries, like India, have embarked on a reforms spree, while few federal governments, like Japan, have announced assistance packages to companies leaving China.&nbsp;

Domestically, the Chinese companies are either laying off employees or new recruitments have tanked post the outbreak of the pandemic. In the first quarter of 2020, the recruitment postings across all industries fell 22.6 &nbsp;per cent compared with the same period last year. A survey found that 5.4 per cent of tech firms experienced job cuts while 12.9 per cent have reduced contractors, interns and part-time employees. The situation further buttresses angst breeding in the common populace against Xi’s handling of the pandemic. 
 
The pandemic has thus cast an unmissable doubt in the attractiveness of China as an investment destination.&nbsp;

When such headwinds against the Chinese juggernaut are coming with seemingly no end, India has found itself with a brilliant opportunity to make a statement. India must shed its habit of doing balancing acts and bite the bullet by including Taiwan in the WHO body.

For Xi’s opponents, his failure to stop, or worse, creating an environment that allows the world to hand a major blow to the “One-China” principle will become the talking point. His political position as such has no immediate threat since the 2018 CCP Congress amended the constitution to remove term limits on Presidency, but the cult that is cultivated in the form of “Xi Jinping thought”, the “Papa Xi” image will surely take a hit.

Eroding social harmony between local governments as seen during clashes that took place during the opening of provincial borders between Hubei and Jiujiang, simmering secessionist voices as seen during the Hong Kong clashes, rising tensions in the South China Sea with US flying bomber aircraft over the disputed region, and to top it all, the unique soft corner that Taiwanese rights have found with world leaders, have all put an ageing Xi in a vulnerable position.&nbsp;

Taiwan's inclusion will forever subdue Xi’s supremacy within CCP and for the world, it may be the beginning of a new world order with India’s place right at the centre. Given China’s own indulgence in matters relating to Kashmir, be it blocking resolutions at the UN or disregarding India’s sovereignty in Gilgit- Baltistan, it remains to be seen if India has developed the appetite to craft what would be a defining moment in this fight against the Chinese hegemony.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Come May 22, India will assume the lead position at the first meeting of the WHO executive board at World Health Assembly conference. Being the first global congregation of WHO after the outbreak of COVID-19, this event has for obvious reasons garnered great significance.

Come May 22, India will assume the lead position at the first meeting of the WHO executive board at World Health Assembly conference. Being the first global congregation of WHO after the outbreak of COVID-19, this event has for obvious reasons garnered great significance. For India, along with curating a global response to the pandemic, what has become a bigger policy question is whether or not to include Taiwan in the executive body. The relentless pursuance of US and Australia in the matter has put India under the spot. Its decision, hence, will determine the ability of the “anti-China” lobby to achieve anything beyond bold press statements. It is among the first attempts of a collective global response to stop the Chinese juggernaut, it has become all the more important. For Xi personally, if there’s any perceived cult deficit between himself and Mao, the outcome may either plug it or put a permanent dent on his carefully cultivated legacy. Aspects shadowing Xi’s political future forms the focus of this article. Despite Xi’s strong anti-corruption drive, efforts to modernise the army and further integrate China into the global supply chain, his Presidency has been less than convincing given a host of issues that have propped up since his ascent to the top post. China’s continuous dip in the economic growth rate since 2013 is a telling story. In 2019, even before the pandemic hit the Chinese economy, the country’s GDP grew at 6.1 per cent, the slowest rate of economic growth since 1990. Last year, it recorded its lowest industrial output since 2002. The COVID-19 has accelerated this decline and the unemployment rate, consequently, has seen a steady increase. The official figures put unemployment rates at 6.2 per cent but private research reports cite a far higher number. One such report put the real jobless rate at 20.5 per cent with 70 million unemployed, while another suggested that the pandemic may have pushed 205 million Chinese workers into uncertain employment. Chinese social media provides an insight into growing resentment among the Chinese against the party leadership. On Douyin, China’s version of Tiktok, The Internationale - a left-wing anthem known for workers’ movement has become widely used background music, highlighting growing displeasure in the worker class. The Belt and Road Initiative, Xi’s flagship program, has run into various troubles within the first decade. As of the second quarter of 2018, China’s non-performing assets in the BRI had reached $101.8 billion, and reports suggest at least $ 200 billion of lendings that are not on paper. Some of the investments have turned out to be outright foolish with seemingly no plan for recovery of the invested money. Take for instance the rail network spanning tens of thousands of kilometres connecting China to far European cities. Xi has incentivised the local governments to create bubbles of ever-flourishing railway demand while in reality most of these trains run empty to Europe and back. The neglect of economics is such that even cities on the east, having easy access to ports have joined the Eurasian rail network. With diplomatic relations with Europe at their worst, an increasing number of nations reconsidering their involvement in BRI, failure stories in pivotal areas, and ever-growing debt on Chinese central banks, Xi’s ‘legacy’ initiative has set itself for eventual death. To add to the economic nightmare Xi has found himself in, corporations from across the world are trying to shift their bases outside of China. Reports have emerged that Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is in touch with at least 100 US companies looking to move out of China. German footwear company Von Wellx has already shifted entire production from China to India. China’s contemporaries, like India, have embarked on a reforms spree, while few federal governments, like Japan, have announced assistance packages to companies leaving China. Domestically, the Chinese companies are either laying off employees or new recruitments have tanked post the outbreak of the pandemic. In the first quarter of 2020, the recruitment postings across all industries fell 22.6 per cent compared with the same period last year. A survey found that 5.4 per cent of tech firms experienced job cuts while 12.9 per cent have reduced contractors, interns and part-time employees. The situation further buttresses angst breeding in the common populace against Xi’s handling of the pandemic. The pandemic has thus cast an unmissable doubt in the attractiveness of China as an investment destination. When such headwinds against the Chinese juggernaut are coming with seemingly no end, India has found itself with a brilliant opportunity to make a statement. India must shed its habit of doing balancing acts and bite the bullet by including Taiwan in the WHO body. For Xi’s opponents, his failure to stop, or worse, creating an environment that allows the world to hand a major blow to the “One-China” principle will become the talking point. His political position as such has no immediate threat since the 2018 CCP Congress amended the constitution to remove term limits on Presidency, but the cult that is cultivated in the form of “Xi Jinping thought”, the “Papa Xi” image will surely take a hit. Eroding social harmony between local governments as seen during clashes that took place during the opening of provincial borders between Hubei and Jiujiang, simmering secessionist voices as seen during the Hong Kong clashes, rising tensions in the South China Sea with US flying bomber aircraft over the disputed region, and to top it all, the unique soft corner that Taiwanese rights have found with world leaders, have all put an ageing Xi in a vulnerable position. Taiwan's inclusion will forever subdue Xi’s supremacy within CCP and for the world, it may be the beginning of a new world order with India’s place right at the centre. Given China’s own indulgence in matters relating to Kashmir, be it blocking resolutions at the UN or disregarding India’s sovereignty in Gilgit- Baltistan, it remains to be seen if India has developed the appetite to craft what would be a defining moment in this fight against the Chinese hegemony. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India’s Taiwan gamble and Xi Jinping's legacy

Taiwan has not been allowed to attend the WHA meeting and there is no invitation sent to the country from WHO. Taiwan has slammed China, WHO, and said that WHO has yielded to China and refused to invite Taiwan. It has acted against global support for Taiwan. Watch report.

Taiwan: China can pressure campaign, No invite from WHO to Taiwan for WHA

In some breaking news coming in Taiwan has not been allowed to attend WHA meeting. Taiwan said that WHO has yielded to China and refused to invite Taiwan. Watch report.

Breaking News:Taiwan not invited to WHA meeting by WHO

World Health Organisation's World Health Assembly will be held on Monday virtually but China is blocking Taiwan's participation. Watch this video to know more.

Taiwan seeks observer status vote in W.H.A, China oposes

Many countries across the globe are joining hands against China.&nbsp;They are working as a "collective whole"&nbsp;and have adopted a holistic approach to ensure&nbsp;that&nbsp;China pays for its ill-deeds.

The five levers that they are&nbsp;using&nbsp;against China are as follows:

First retaliation

They are demanding and pushing for a probe into the origin of the coronavirus outbreak and the reason behind its widespread.

While&nbsp;Australia was the first country to demand an investigation, it was backed up by its neighbour New Zealand.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;the United States is conducting its own investigation. Now, the top diplomat of the European Union&nbsp;wants a probe too.&nbsp;The EU's foreign policy chief has called for an independent and scientific investigation.&nbsp;

They will raise this issue&nbsp;during the World health assembly that will be held next week.&nbsp;

Second&nbsp;retaliation

Countries such as Canada, Japan, France, Germany, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia and even Swaziland and Nicaragua have pledged support to Taiwan's membership in the World Health Organization.

However, China has slammed these voices of support and threatened these countries.

Non-WHO&nbsp;member Taiwan has lobbied for its participation,&nbsp;drawing strong objections from Beijing&nbsp;which considers Taiwan to be one of its provinces.

Third&nbsp;retaliation

The United States and Japan have started to economically distance itself from China.

While the&nbsp;US President Donald Trump has ordered American companies to leave China,&nbsp;Japan has set up a 2.2 billion dollar fund to pull Japanese companies away&nbsp;from the country.

Countries in the European Union, Australia and even India have tightened their foreign investment rules to prevent hostile takeovers of local businesses from China.

Fourth&nbsp;&nbsp;retaliation

They are calling out China for abusing and violating human rights.&nbsp;The US&nbsp;Senate has approved a bill to sanction China over repression of Uighur Muslims in the country.&nbsp;The bill was&nbsp;backed by&nbsp;lawmakers on both sides.

Meanwhile, the human rights watch has slammed China for its treatment of Africans.&nbsp;They have released a report this month&nbsp;that talks about discrimination of Africans in China's Guangzhou province.&nbsp;

Fifth&nbsp;retaliation

Countries are&nbsp;demanding a ban on Chinese technology under which Huawei is the most common target.

The United States has already extended its ban on the company for another year and it is&nbsp;pushing other allies to check Chinese tech giants from making inroads.

Many countries across the globe are joining hands against China. They are working as a "collective whole" and have adopted a holistic approach to ensure that China pays for its ill-deeds.

Many countries across the globe are joining hands against China. They are working as a "collective whole" and have adopted a holistic approach to ensure that China pays for its ill-deeds. The five levers that they are using against China are as follows: First retaliation They are demanding and pushing for a probe into the origin of the coronavirus outbreak and the reason behind its widespread. While Australia was the first country to demand an investigation, it was backed up by its neighbour New Zealand. Meanwhile, the United States is conducting its own investigation. Now, the top diplomat of the European Union wants a probe too. The EU's foreign policy chief has called for an independent and scientific investigation. They will raise this issue during the World health assembly that will be held next week. Second retaliation Countries such as Canada, Japan, France, Germany, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia and even Swaziland and Nicaragua have pledged support to Taiwan's membership in the World Health Organization. However, China has slammed these voices of support and threatened these countries. Non-WHO member Taiwan has lobbied for its participation, drawing strong objections from Beijing which considers Taiwan to be one of its provinces. Third retaliation The United States and Japan have started to economically distance itself from China. While the US President Donald Trump has ordered American companies to leave China, Japan has set up a 2.2 billion dollar fund to pull Japanese companies away from the country. Countries in the European Union, Australia and even India have tightened their foreign investment rules to prevent hostile takeovers of local businesses from China. Fourth retaliation They are calling out China for abusing and violating human rights. The US Senate has approved a bill to sanction China over repression of Uighur Muslims in the country. The bill was backed by lawmakers on both sides. Meanwhile, the human rights watch has slammed China for its treatment of Africans. They have released a report this month that talks about discrimination of Africans in China's Guangzhou province. Fifth retaliation Countries are demanding a ban on Chinese technology under which Huawei is the most common target. The United States has already extended its ban on the company for another year and it is pushing other allies to check Chinese tech giants from making inroads.

How the world is forming an alliance against China

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization and ignited a diplomatic row between China and some Western powers.

Led by the United States, a growing number of countries are calling for Taiwan to either be allowed into the WHO, or be given observer status.

The spat is likely to worsen at next week's World Health Assembly -- the WHO's annual policy making meeting -- which is gathering virtually because of the virus outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-indias-support-for-taiwans-who-membership-can-rattle-china-298744">Also read:&nbsp;How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China</a>

Why is Taiwan shut out?

Taiwan -- officially the Republic of China -- was a founding member of the WHO when the global health body was created in 1948. But it was expelled in 1972 a year after losing the "China" seat at the United Nations to the People's Republic of China.

The two sides have been ruled separately since 1949 after the Nationalists lost a civil war to the Communists and fled to Taiwan to set up a rival government. Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

It balks at any international recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign nation and in recent years has ramped up economic, diplomatic and military pressure on the island.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-tsmc-plans-to-build-chip-plant-in-arizona-amid-us-china-rivalry-298838">Also read:&nbsp;Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry</a>

Keeping it shut out of international bodies like the WHO is part of that campaign.

Was it always this way? No. Between 2009 and 2016 Beijing allowed Taiwan to attend the WHA as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei".

At the time, relations between Taipei and Beijing were warmer. Things turned frosty with the election of current president Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. She hails from a party that views Taiwan as a de facto independent nation and doesn't subscribe to Beijing's idea that it belongs to a "one China".

Taipei found little diplomatic support for its calls to be included but the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed that. China has found itself scrutinised for its initial response to the outbreak and allegations its authoritarian government made the global spread worse.

In contrast, democratic Taiwan has been praised as a model for how to handle the outbreak -- with only seven deaths and 433 infections.

Why does Taiwan's exclusion matter?

Taiwan and its supporters argue it is unfair to exclude 23 million Taiwanese from the world's health body, especially during such a huge health crisis. They also say global leaders and doctors could learn from the island's expertise in combating the virus.

"No one should be treated as an orphan in the health network that the WHA should look after," Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen, a US-trained epidemiologist, told reporters on Thursday.

"The WHO attaches too much importance to politics and forgets about its professionalism and neutrality," he added.

Taiwan's exclusion has also raised questions about Beijing's influence over the WHO.

This week the Trump administration accused the WHO of opting to "choose politics over public health" by being overly deferential to China.

What does the WHO say?

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said Taiwan's participation can only be decided by member states with the consent of "the relevant government" -- a reference to Beijing.

He rejects the notion that the body has been too deferential to Beijing under his tenure.

WHO officials say they are in regular contact with Taiwan and that Taiwanese officials are often included in technical meetings.

Taiwan has countered that it was previously invited to attend the WHA "at the discretion" of the then director general.

It says Tedros has a public health obligation to stand up to Beijing's blacklisting of the island.

The WHO later said an invite can be given by Tedros if a consensus existed between member states, which it does not.

Will Taiwan have its way? It's highly unlikely.

Only 15 nations still recognise Taiwan over China, most of them economic minnows in Latin America and the Pacific.

Few of the 194 countries within the WHO will want to stoke Beijing's anger -- a 2007 bid by Taiwan to seek membership was comprehensively defeated.

But any recognition of Taiwan's de facto sovereign nation status is seen as a win for Taipei and a blow for Beijing.

And it is here that Taiwan has seen significant success during the coronavirus pandemic.

In the last few weeks Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand have joined the US in publicly calling for Taiwan to be given observer status at the WHA.

That has infuriated Beijing. It has accused Western governments of using Taiwan as a wedge issue to distract from their own shortcomings in fighting the outbreak.

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization and ignited a diplomatic row between China and some Western powers.

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization and ignited a diplomatic row between China and some Western powers. Led by the United States, a growing number of countries are calling for Taiwan to either be allowed into the WHO, or be given observer status. The spat is likely to worsen at next week's World Health Assembly -- the WHO's annual policy making meeting -- which is gathering virtually because of the virus outbreak. Also read: How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China Why is Taiwan shut out? Taiwan -- officially the Republic of China -- was a founding member of the WHO when the global health body was created in 1948. But it was expelled in 1972 a year after losing the "China" seat at the United Nations to the People's Republic of China. The two sides have been ruled separately since 1949 after the Nationalists lost a civil war to the Communists and fled to Taiwan to set up a rival government. Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. It balks at any international recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign nation and in recent years has ramped up economic, diplomatic and military pressure on the island. Also read: Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry Keeping it shut out of international bodies like the WHO is part of that campaign. Was it always this way? No. Between 2009 and 2016 Beijing allowed Taiwan to attend the WHA as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei". At the time, relations between Taipei and Beijing were warmer. Things turned frosty with the election of current president Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. She hails from a party that views Taiwan as a de facto independent nation and doesn't subscribe to Beijing's idea that it belongs to a "one China". Taipei found little diplomatic support for its calls to be included but the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed that. China has found itself scrutinised for its initial response to the outbreak and allegations its authoritarian government made the global spread worse. In contrast, democratic Taiwan has been praised as a model for how to handle the outbreak -- with only seven deaths and 433 infections. Why does Taiwan's exclusion matter? Taiwan and its supporters argue it is unfair to exclude 23 million Taiwanese from the world's health body, especially during such a huge health crisis. They also say global leaders and doctors could learn from the island's expertise in combating the virus. "No one should be treated as an orphan in the health network that the WHA should look after," Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen, a US-trained epidemiologist, told reporters on Thursday. "The WHO attaches too much importance to politics and forgets about its professionalism and neutrality," he added. Taiwan's exclusion has also raised questions about Beijing's influence over the WHO. This week the Trump administration accused the WHO of opting to "choose politics over public health" by being overly deferential to China. What does the WHO say? WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said Taiwan's participation can only be decided by member states with the consent of "the relevant government" -- a reference to Beijing. He rejects the notion that the body has been too deferential to Beijing under his tenure. WHO officials say they are in regular contact with Taiwan and that Taiwanese officials are often included in technical meetings. Taiwan has countered that it was previously invited to attend the WHA "at the discretion" of the then director general. It says Tedros has a public health obligation to stand up to Beijing's blacklisting of the island. The WHO later said an invite can be given by Tedros if a consensus existed between member states, which it does not. Will Taiwan have its way? It's highly unlikely. Only 15 nations still recognise Taiwan over China, most of them economic minnows in Latin America and the Pacific. Few of the 194 countries within the WHO will want to stoke Beijing's anger -- a 2007 bid by Taiwan to seek membership was comprehensively defeated. But any recognition of Taiwan's de facto sovereign nation status is seen as a win for Taipei and a blow for Beijing. And it is here that Taiwan has seen significant success during the coronavirus pandemic. In the last few weeks Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand have joined the US in publicly calling for Taiwan to be given observer status at the WHA. That has infuriated Beijing. It has accused Western governments of using Taiwan as a wedge issue to distract from their own shortcomings in fighting the outbreak.

Explainer: Why is Taiwan excluded from the WHO

As the US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut all ties with China and bring manufacturing back overseas, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) has announced plans to build a&nbsp;$12 billion factory in Arizona. The factory aims to create over 1,600 jobs in the US.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said the deal is&nbsp;"another indication that President Trump’s policy agenda has led to a renaissance in American manufacturing."

TSMC is the biggest contract chipmaker. It is also a major supplier to U.S. tech giants such as Apple Inc and Qualcomm Inc, as well as Chinese firms like Huawei Technologies, which has not been America's favourite right now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-covid-19-crisis-trump-threatens-to-cut-off-whole-relationship-with-china-298711">Also read:&nbsp;Amid COVID-19 crisis, Trump threatens to 'cut off whole relationship with China'</a>

"This project is of critical, strategic importance to a vibrant and competitive U.S. semiconductor ecosystem that enables leading U.S. companies to fabricate their cutting-edge semiconductor products within the United States," TSMC said.

TSMC aims to build the plant over nine years.&nbsp;"The scale and technology is similar to what TSMC did in China, suggesting a balance between the US &amp; China,"&nbsp; Bernstein analysts commented.

This project can act as a peacemaker between the countries who have been engaged in a vocal war for the past few months. "While it is hard to be certain, we believe that TSMC announcing a U.S. Fab could remove the threat of further Huawei restrictions in the very near-term at least," JP Morgan analysts noted.

However, nothing can be guaranteed at this point, considering the political environment in both the countries.

The plant, the biggest foreign investment by TSMC, will produce the most sophisticated 5 nanometer chips, which can be used in high-end defense and communications devices.

(With inputs from Reuters)

As the US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut all ties with China and bring manufacturing back overseas, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) has announced plans to build a $12 billion factory in Arizona.

As the US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut all ties with China and bring manufacturing back overseas, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) has announced plans to build a $12 billion factory in Arizona. The factory aims to create over 1,600 jobs in the US. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said the deal is "another indication that President Trump’s policy agenda has led to a renaissance in American manufacturing." TSMC is the biggest contract chipmaker. It is also a major supplier to U.S. tech giants such as Apple Inc and Qualcomm Inc, as well as Chinese firms like Huawei Technologies, which has not been America's favourite right now. Also read: Amid COVID-19 crisis, Trump threatens to 'cut off whole relationship with China' "This project is of critical, strategic importance to a vibrant and competitive U.S. semiconductor ecosystem that enables leading U.S. companies to fabricate their cutting-edge semiconductor products within the United States," TSMC said. TSMC aims to build the plant over nine years. "The scale and technology is similar to what TSMC did in China, suggesting a balance between the US & China," Bernstein analysts commented. This project can act as a peacemaker between the countries who have been engaged in a vocal war for the past few months. "While it is hard to be certain, we believe that TSMC announcing a U.S. Fab could remove the threat of further Huawei restrictions in the very near-term at least," JP Morgan analysts noted. However, nothing can be guaranteed at this point, considering the political environment in both the countries. The plant, the biggest foreign investment by TSMC, will produce the most sophisticated 5 nanometer chips, which can be used in high-end defense and communications devices. (With inputs from Reuters)

Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry

Leading countries have now voiced their support for Taiwan's participation at the WHO, despite China's objections. India will now lead the WHO executive board. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why New Delhi must back Taiwan's participation as an observer at the WHO.

Gravitas: Why India must join the world in supporting Taiwan

What is the story behind the Taiwan-China divide? How Taiwan has grown despite China's aggression? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you the story of Taiwan.

Gravitas: The story of Taiwan

Leading countries are throwing their support behind Taiwan's bid to participate at the WHO World Health Assembly. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why India must back Taiwan's participation.

Gravitas: Why India must back Taiwan

China-Taiwan tensions are on rise amid pandemic. Taiwan is facing military threat from China amid COVID-19 pandemic. Watch report.

Taiwan faces military threat from China amid COVID-19 pandemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) has "forgotten" its professionalism and neutrality in locking Taiwan out of the body for political reasons, Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen said on Thursday.

Taiwan says China and the WHO have conspired for political purposes to keep it out of key meetings, that the WHO has not responded to requests for coronavirus information and has misreported the number of its infections.

The WHO and China have strongly dispute the accusations, saying Taiwan has been given all the help it needed, but that only China, which claims democratic Taiwan as one of its provinces, has the right to fully represent it in the WHO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-president-xi-spoke-to-who-chief-tedros-on-delaying-coronavirus-warning-298045">Also read:&nbsp;China denies President Xi spoke to WHO chief Tedros on delaying coronavirus warning</a>

Chen, a U.S.-trained epidemiologist, said the WHO had been putting politics above health.

"Unfortunately, because of political reasons, Taiwan`s 23 million people have become orphans in the global health system," he told reporters at the presidential office in Taipei.

"The WHO pays too much attention to politics and has forgotten their professionalism and neutrality. This is quite regrettable."

While the WHO has done good work and contributed to world health in the past, its record on the virus has not been as good, Chen added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-becomes-a-worry-in-indonesia-after-dead-indonesian-crew-thrown-in-sea-state-intel-website-hacked-298629">Also read:&nbsp;China becomes a worry in Indonesia after dead Indonesian crew thrown in sea; state intel website hacked</a>

"On the Wuhan pneumonia, we mostly criticise them for acting too slowly," he said, referring to the central Chinese city where the virus first emerged late last year, before spreading worldwide to infect 4.3 million people and kill 295,000.

Chen, who was Taiwan`s health minister during the 2002-2003 SARS crisis, said the world needed to be cautious with China`s virus numbers, and urged Beijing to be more transparent. 
He wished China well in its fight, however.

"Here I give my blessings to them and hope that they can contain the Wuhan pneumonia as early as possible and avoid a second wave," said Chen, who leaves office when President Tsai Ing-wen is sworn in for her second term next week.

Taiwan has lobbied to attend next week's meeting of the WHO`s decision-making World Health Assembly as an observer, but China objects.

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Taiwan`s basis for participation in the WHO was damaged by the refusal of its ruling Democratic Progressive Party to recognise that the island is part of China.

There is no legal basis for a "non-sovereign region" to participate as an observer, Zhao added.

The United States has repeatedly clashed with China over its refusal to allow Taiwan full access to the body, helping to further fuel tension between Washington and Beijing.

Taiwan`s tally of 440 virus infections and seven deaths is far lower than many of its neighbours, thanks to early and effective prevention work and an efficient public health system.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has "forgotten" its professionalism and neutrality in locking Taiwan out of the body for political reasons, Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen said on Thursday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has "forgotten" its professionalism and neutrality in locking Taiwan out of the body for political reasons, Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen said on Thursday. Taiwan says China and the WHO have conspired for political purposes to keep it out of key meetings, that the WHO has not responded to requests for coronavirus information and has misreported the number of its infections. The WHO and China have strongly dispute the accusations, saying Taiwan has been given all the help it needed, but that only China, which claims democratic Taiwan as one of its provinces, has the right to fully represent it in the WHO. Also read: China denies President Xi spoke to WHO chief Tedros on delaying coronavirus warning Chen, a U.S.-trained epidemiologist, said the WHO had been putting politics above health. "Unfortunately, because of political reasons, Taiwan`s 23 million people have become orphans in the global health system," he told reporters at the presidential office in Taipei. "The WHO pays too much attention to politics and has forgotten their professionalism and neutrality. This is quite regrettable." While the WHO has done good work and contributed to world health in the past, its record on the virus has not been as good, Chen added. Also read: China becomes a worry in Indonesia after dead Indonesian crew thrown in sea; state intel website hacked "On the Wuhan pneumonia, we mostly criticise them for acting too slowly," he said, referring to the central Chinese city where the virus first emerged late last year, before spreading worldwide to infect 4.3 million people and kill 295,000. Chen, who was Taiwan`s health minister during the 2002-2003 SARS crisis, said the world needed to be cautious with China`s virus numbers, and urged Beijing to be more transparent. He wished China well in its fight, however. "Here I give my blessings to them and hope that they can contain the Wuhan pneumonia as early as possible and avoid a second wave," said Chen, who leaves office when President Tsai Ing-wen is sworn in for her second term next week. Taiwan has lobbied to attend next week's meeting of the WHO`s decision-making World Health Assembly as an observer, but China objects. In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Taiwan`s basis for participation in the WHO was damaged by the refusal of its ruling Democratic Progressive Party to recognise that the island is part of China. There is no legal basis for a "non-sovereign region" to participate as an observer, Zhao added. The United States has repeatedly clashed with China over its refusal to allow Taiwan full access to the body, helping to further fuel tension between Washington and Beijing. Taiwan`s tally of 440 virus infections and seven deaths is far lower than many of its neighbours, thanks to early and effective prevention work and an efficient public health system.

Taiwan says WHO has 'forgotten' neutrality by barring island

Gold coins marking the Taiwan presidential inauguration have hit record high prices.

This comes as the central bank unveiled two new commemorative coins to mark the inauguration of President Tsai Ing-wen and vice president-elect William Lai.

A total of 10,000 gold coins and 50,000 silver coins will be sold by the bank of Taiwan on the inauguration day.

More than 3,000 pre-orders have already been placed for the commemorative gold coin--which is priced at a record $1,873.

The silver coins, on the other hand, are priced at a little more than $53 each.

Besides the pre-orders--the rest of the coins will be available for sale at some bank of Taiwan branches.

The central bank began issuing these coins in 1996 which was the first time Taiwan had a direct presidential election.&nbsp;

The gold coin released in 2016 to mark Tsai's election was priced at around $1600.

This year's inauguration ceremony will also be streamed online amid the pandemic.

Instead of multiple public events--this year's ceremony will be a simple and solemn one according to the presidential office.

Gold coins marking the Taiwan presidential inauguration have hit record high prices. This comes as the central bank unveiled two new commemorative coins to mark the inauguration of President Tsai Ing-wen and vice president-elect William Lai.

Gold coins marking the Taiwan presidential inauguration have hit record high prices. This comes as the central bank unveiled two new commemorative coins to mark the inauguration of President Tsai Ing-wen and vice president-elect William Lai. A total of 10,000 gold coins and 50,000 silver coins will be sold by the bank of Taiwan on the inauguration day. More than 3,000 pre-orders have already been placed for the commemorative gold coin--which is priced at a record $1,873. The silver coins, on the other hand, are priced at a little more than $53 each. Besides the pre-orders--the rest of the coins will be available for sale at some bank of Taiwan branches. The central bank began issuing these coins in 1996 which was the first time Taiwan had a direct presidential election. The gold coin released in 2016 to mark Tsai's election was priced at around $1600. This year's inauguration ceremony will also be streamed online amid the pandemic. Instead of multiple public events--this year's ceremony will be a simple and solemn one according to the presidential office.

Gold coins marking the Taiwan presidential inauguration hit record high prices

To keep customers and staff safe, Taiwanese-style hot pot restaurant in Bangkok, Hanji Hot Pot has installed plastic screens in between tables to maintain social distance between customers.

Thai hot pot restaurant separates diners with plastic screens after restrictions eased

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen has apologised to the nation after an outbreak of coronavirus on the navy ship, Panshi.

"I am the Commander-in-Chief, the military's business is my business and my responsibility. There are major shortcomings in the navy's pandemic prevention measures during this mission, and the public is now bearing the risks. I want to give my apologies," she apologized during a speech in a live broadcast.

So far the island had been earning praise&nbsp;from all over the world for handling the pandemic in an impressive manner. However, the situation quickly changed after 28 people tested positive onboard the frigate Panshi.&nbsp;

Taiwan, considering its close proximity and economic ties to China&nbsp;started scanning the inbound flights from Wuhan in the initial stages itself. This not only helped the country to&nbsp;contain the spread, but also helped it to&nbsp;gain praise for swift actions. It has also won diplomatic praise for shipments of masks and other protective equipment overseas, including to Europe.&nbsp;

However, the recent outbreak on the navy ship added to the total number of cases and increased the toll to 425 positive cases and 6 deaths.

The vessel had arrived in Palau on March 15 and left again after three days, only to return to the port of Kaohsiung on April 9. The crew members were allowed to disembark six days later and the first few positive cases were found over the weekend.

After being grilled by the experts, the fleet's commander, Rear Admiral Chen Tao-hui, said, "I swear with my life that I absolutely didn't cover-up any infection. As soldiers we would rather die at sea, die in the ship. I would not let the virus endanger our countrymen who we should protect."

He apologised on Wednesday for "major shortcomings" within the military after a cluster of coronavirus infections emerged on a navy vessel recently returned from a goodwill mission to Palau.&nbsp;

So far 28 people on board the frigate "Panshi" have tested positive for the virus after returning from a trip to the Pacific island nation -- one of just 15 countries that still diplomatically recognise Taipei over Beijing.

The government has faced criticism in recent days over why the navy pushed ahead with the mission despite the pandemic. They also had to face the question of whether officials hid the fact that some sailors were running fevers during the voyage.&nbsp;

Since the first cases were identified, the authorities have been tracking where crew members have been and who may have had contact with them. Chen and another admiral have been removed from their posts pending further investigation.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen has apologised to the nation after an outbreak of coronavirus on the navy ship, Panshi. "I am the Commander-in-Chief, the military's business is my business and my responsibility.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen has apologised to the nation after an outbreak of coronavirus on the navy ship, Panshi. "I am the Commander-in-Chief, the military's business is my business and my responsibility. There are major shortcomings in the navy's pandemic prevention measures during this mission, and the public is now bearing the risks. I want to give my apologies," she apologized during a speech in a live broadcast. So far the island had been earning praise from all over the world for handling the pandemic in an impressive manner. However, the situation quickly changed after 28 people tested positive onboard the frigate Panshi. Taiwan, considering its close proximity and economic ties to China started scanning the inbound flights from Wuhan in the initial stages itself. This not only helped the country to contain the spread, but also helped it to gain praise for swift actions. It has also won diplomatic praise for shipments of masks and other protective equipment overseas, including to Europe. However, the recent outbreak on the navy ship added to the total number of cases and increased the toll to 425 positive cases and 6 deaths. The vessel had arrived in Palau on March 15 and left again after three days, only to return to the port of Kaohsiung on April 9. The crew members were allowed to disembark six days later and the first few positive cases were found over the weekend. After being grilled by the experts, the fleet's commander, Rear Admiral Chen Tao-hui, said, "I swear with my life that I absolutely didn't cover-up any infection. As soldiers we would rather die at sea, die in the ship. I would not let the virus endanger our countrymen who we should protect." He apologised on Wednesday for "major shortcomings" within the military after a cluster of coronavirus infections emerged on a navy vessel recently returned from a goodwill mission to Palau. So far 28 people on board the frigate "Panshi" have tested positive for the virus after returning from a trip to the Pacific island nation -- one of just 15 countries that still diplomatically recognise Taipei over Beijing. The government has faced criticism in recent days over why the navy pushed ahead with the mission despite the pandemic. They also had to face the question of whether officials hid the fact that some sailors were running fevers during the voyage. Since the first cases were identified, the authorities have been tracking where crew members have been and who may have had contact with them. Chen and another admiral have been removed from their posts pending further investigation.

Taiwan President apologises over coronavirus in navy ship

What are the WHO Director-General's allegations on Taiwan?&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a press conference held on April 8 in Geneva, accused Taiwan of orchestrating attacks on him using the “N” word, racist slur even the death threats. He alleged that Taiwan’s foreign ministry and diplomats were behind this coordinated attack on him.&nbsp;

How Taiwan reacted to these allegations?&nbsp;

Taiwan foreign ministry released a press statement saying that, “It deeply regrets baseless allegations by WHO Director-General”.The statement further said that for long Taiwanese have faced “political discrimination and feeling of exclusion” to participate in the WHO. Taiwan claimed, despite being a non-member it has warned the WHO of initial community transmission in December 2019, nevertheless WHO failed to act responsibly and instead prevented Taiwan from access to WHO health networks. It further demanded an apology by the Director-General for baseless allegations.&nbsp;

Why is Taiwan not a member of the WHO?&nbsp;

Since Taiwan is not a full member of the United Nations it cannot become a full member of the WHO. China, being a permanent member of UNSC, has blocked Taiwan's access to WHO. It has even deprived Taiwan of its ‘observer status’ which it used to enjoy from 2009 to 2016. China has pressed Taiwan to either accept “One-China Principle” or else loose "observer-status".&nbsp;

Why is China not allowing Taiwan to enter WHO?&nbsp;

China demands a commitment to the 'One-China Principle' as a precondition for its entry into any bilateral and multilateral relations, recognising that there is only one-China and that is the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan is an integral part of it. While Taiwan (Republic of China) represents a thriving democracy and an alternative political system that could pose a threat to the ruling communist party. International organisations like WHO and private enterprises are the main part of Beijing's long-term strategy to win over Taiwan, for completing its long-term goal of national reunification. Their motive is to curtail Taiwan’s independence and reducing its external sovereignty-by gradually reducing its recognition by states.

What are the consequences of Taiwan being excluded from WHO?&nbsp;

With Taiwan being excluded from key UN organisations that handle disease prevention, including the WHO, denies Taiwan crucial information regarding expert briefings, prevention measures. Being one of the best health-care systems in the world, Taiwan has much to offer in control the spread of the pandemic.&nbsp;

What is Taiwan doing to gain membership of WHO?&nbsp;

With the outbreak of coronavirus, the campaign for Taiwan to enter the WHO is back in the news, with multiple countries expressing their support to the country. President Tsai Ing-wen reiterated the importance of Taiwan's position in global health issues at a reception with European guests. Members of the Taiwan UN Alliance and the Global Taiwan Medical Alliance, in a news conference at the legislature, blasted the WHO and International Civil Aviation Organisation for excluding Taiwan from access to information about the coronavirus outbreak. &nbsp;

How is the international community reacting to Taiwan’s membership of WHO?&nbsp;

There is a renewed support from the European Union, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to grant Taiwan 'observer status' in the World Health Assembly. The US Congress also passed a bill seeking for Taiwan to gain access to observer status.&nbsp;

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What are the WHO Director-General's allegations on Taiwan? The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a press conference held on April 8 in Geneva, accused Taiwan of orchestrating attacks on him using the “N” word, racist slur even the death threats.

What are the WHO Director-General's allegations on Taiwan? The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a press conference held on April 8 in Geneva, accused Taiwan of orchestrating attacks on him using the “N” word, racist slur even the death threats. He alleged that Taiwan’s foreign ministry and diplomats were behind this coordinated attack on him. How Taiwan reacted to these allegations? Taiwan foreign ministry released a press statement saying that, “It deeply regrets baseless allegations by WHO Director-General”.The statement further said that for long Taiwanese have faced “political discrimination and feeling of exclusion” to participate in the WHO. Taiwan claimed, despite being a non-member it has warned the WHO of initial community transmission in December 2019, nevertheless WHO failed to act responsibly and instead prevented Taiwan from access to WHO health networks. It further demanded an apology by the Director-General for baseless allegations. Why is Taiwan not a member of the WHO? Since Taiwan is not a full member of the United Nations it cannot become a full member of the WHO. China, being a permanent member of UNSC, has blocked Taiwan's access to WHO. It has even deprived Taiwan of its ‘observer status’ which it used to enjoy from 2009 to 2016. China has pressed Taiwan to either accept “One-China Principle” or else loose "observer-status". Why is China not allowing Taiwan to enter WHO? China demands a commitment to the 'One-China Principle' as a precondition for its entry into any bilateral and multilateral relations, recognising that there is only one-China and that is the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan is an integral part of it. While Taiwan (Republic of China) represents a thriving democracy and an alternative political system that could pose a threat to the ruling communist party. International organisations like WHO and private enterprises are the main part of Beijing's long-term strategy to win over Taiwan, for completing its long-term goal of national reunification. Their motive is to curtail Taiwan’s independence and reducing its external sovereignty-by gradually reducing its recognition by states. What are the consequences of Taiwan being excluded from WHO? With Taiwan being excluded from key UN organisations that handle disease prevention, including the WHO, denies Taiwan crucial information regarding expert briefings, prevention measures. Being one of the best health-care systems in the world, Taiwan has much to offer in control the spread of the pandemic. What is Taiwan doing to gain membership of WHO? With the outbreak of coronavirus, the campaign for Taiwan to enter the WHO is back in the news, with multiple countries expressing their support to the country. President Tsai Ing-wen reiterated the importance of Taiwan's position in global health issues at a reception with European guests. Members of the Taiwan UN Alliance and the Global Taiwan Medical Alliance, in a news conference at the legislature, blasted the WHO and International Civil Aviation Organisation for excluding Taiwan from access to information about the coronavirus outbreak. How is the international community reacting to Taiwan’s membership of WHO? There is a renewed support from the European Union, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to grant Taiwan 'observer status' in the World Health Assembly. The US Congress also passed a bill seeking for Taiwan to gain access to observer status.

Explained: The conflict between the WHO and Taiwan

When the world is struggling to contain the novel coronavirus pandemic, a lot of questions are being raised on the nexus between China and the World Health Organization (WHO). On Thursday, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused Taiwan of racism.&nbsp;

In the latest episode, China accused Taiwan of "venomous" attacks against WHO. For the unversed, Taiwan is an island that China considers its own, even though, the island declaring itself as an independent nation with a democratically elected government.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-need-to-be-tested-new-york-reports-777-deaths-in-24-hours-291862">'Millions need to be tested': New York reports 777 deaths in 24 hours</a>

However, today Taiwan's Ministry of Justice has unearthed an online campaign done in the name of Taiwanese to apologize to the director-general.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-covid-19-death-toll-rises-to-record-980-fatalities-8958-people-dead-291859">UK COVID-19 death toll rises to record 980 fatalities; 8,958 people dead</a>

The investigations revealed that Chinese internet users are posting online as Taiwanese to apologise to Dr. Ghebreyesus on behalf of Taiwan's government. A number of such messages have started to appear on the internet. However, the users who posted these messages were Chinese.&nbsp;

"I feel extremely ashamed that we attacked Tedros in such a malicious way... I apologise on behalf of the Taiwanese and beg for his forgiveness," one of the messages said.&nbsp;

Now, these posts are making a dent to Taiwan's reputation, a small island that has dealt coronavirus well with only 382 cases and six deaths and is helping other nations too.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

When the world is struggling to contain the novel coronavirus pandemic, a lot of questions are being raised on the nexus between China and the World Health Organization (WHO).

When the world is struggling to contain the novel coronavirus pandemic, a lot of questions are being raised on the nexus between China and the World Health Organization (WHO). On Thursday, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused Taiwan of racism. In the latest episode, China accused Taiwan of "venomous" attacks against WHO. For the unversed, Taiwan is an island that China considers its own, even though, the island declaring itself as an independent nation with a democratically elected government. Also read | 'Millions need to be tested': New York reports 777 deaths in 24 hours However, today Taiwan's Ministry of Justice has unearthed an online campaign done in the name of Taiwanese to apologize to the director-general. Also read | UK COVID-19 death toll rises to record 980 fatalities; 8,958 people dead The investigations revealed that Chinese internet users are posting online as Taiwanese to apologise to Dr. Ghebreyesus on behalf of Taiwan's government. A number of such messages have started to appear on the internet. However, the users who posted these messages were Chinese. "I feel extremely ashamed that we attacked Tedros in such a malicious way... I apologise on behalf of the Taiwanese and beg for his forgiveness," one of the messages said. Now, these posts are making a dent to Taiwan's reputation, a small island that has dealt coronavirus well with only 382 cases and six deaths and is helping other nations too.

Day after WHO's accusations of racism, Taiwan responds

China has accused Taiwan of 'venomous' attacks against the W.H.O chief. But, the Taiwanese govt has unearthed a fake apology plot by China's propaganda machinery. Allegedly, Chinese twitter accounts are issuing apologies to Dr. Tedros Adhanom in Taiwan's name. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Taiwan unearths China's 'Fake apology' plot |  Coronavirus outbreak

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