Los Angeles, Aug. 9 (CNA) Republic of China Vice President Annette Lu suggested Beijing Saturday to welcome Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization (WHO).
Addressing a dinner party hosted by overseas Chinese and Taiwanese communities in Los Angeles in her honor, Lu said if Beijing really cares about the health of the people of Taiwan, it should openly announce that it welcomes Taiwan's participation in the WHO.
To hold a referendum on whether Taiwan should join the WHO is to show the world the determination of the island's people to join the world's top health body, Lu stressed, expressing the hope that the United States will support Taiwan's position on the issue.
It will not be necessary for Taiwan to hold a referendum on the island's bid to join the WHO if Beijing welcomes Taiwan's participation in the world body, Lu continued.
Lu also told the overseas Chinese and Taiwanese who were present at the dinner party the progress made by President Chen Shui-bian's administration in the economic, political and social fields over the past three years although there still exists room for further improvement.
She urged the general public to give President Chen and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party more time to implement their reform programs and to build a better Taiwan.
Lu arrived in Los Angeles Saturday afternoon from Hawaii on her way to Asuncion to attend the inauguration of Paraguayan President-elect Nicanor Duarte on behalf of President Chen Shui-bian.
On hand at the dinner party were also Therese Shaheen, chairwoman of the American Institute in Taiwan, U.S. Congresswoman Hilda Solis, Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Joy Chen and ROC Reresentative to the U. S. Chen Chien-jen.
Invited to speaking on the occasion, Joy Chen, who once served as an aide to Lu when she served as a legislator, praised her former boss as an outstanding stateswoman with many characteristics of a leader. She described Lu as a "shinning example."