Taiwan has been invited to participate in the World Health Assembly (WHA) this year as an observer (no voting rights) using the name "Chinese Taipei." This could be viewed as a victory as the WHA has failed to allow Taiwan to participate, even using a different moniker, for the past 12 years. President Ma Ying-jeou's flexible, moderate pragmatism and warming ties with Mainland China could be credited for the long-awaited invitation. Critics, however, fear that Taiwan has "downgraded" it's international status by not using the name "Taiwan" or "Republic of China." President Ma today contended that "Taiwan will enjoy the same rights and will have the same obligations as other WHA observers," and noted that the island is called “Chinese Taipei” in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and joined the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) in 1991 also using that name.
"This shows that harmonious and amiable cross-strait relations complement rather than conflict with Taiwan's goal of international participation," President Ma explained.
Taiwan's membership in the WHA should help the island establish closer ties with member nations "at a time when the world is facing a possible swine flu outbreak...and improve its preparations for emergencies." The health and safety of Taiwanese citizens "should not involve any unnecessary confrontation to highlight some specific ideology," the president reasoned.
More information is available here.
Showing posts with label Republic of China. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Republic of China. Show all posts
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Taiwan Allows Casinos
After 15 years of repeatedly banning casinos, the Republic of China (Taiwan) is set to allow casinos to be built on its outlying islands of Kinmen (金門), Matzu (馬祖) and Penghu (澎湖).
The change comes as Taiwan lawmakers look to boost its economy as exports and domestic consumption slows. Hopefully after the casinos are built, crime won't become a hotbed issue as is reported on Macau, which is an East Asian tourist destination known for gambling. (Singapore is also reportedly opening its first casino this year.) The story was reported here.
The change comes as Taiwan lawmakers look to boost its economy as exports and domestic consumption slows. Hopefully after the casinos are built, crime won't become a hotbed issue as is reported on Macau, which is an East Asian tourist destination known for gambling. (Singapore is also reportedly opening its first casino this year.) The story was reported here.
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