Presidential Office thanks US Senators for supporting Taiwan's WHA participation
The Presidential Office expressed gratitude on May 18 to the 13 members of the United States Senate, led by senior member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Marco Rubio, who recently sent a joint letter urging World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to invite Taiwan to participate in the upcoming 71st World Health Assembly (WHA) and all future meetings. Among the senators signing the letter were Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-TX) as well as co-chairs of the US Senate Taiwan Caucus Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ).
Presidential Office Spokesperson Huang Chung-yen (黃重諺) said the government and people of Taiwan are grateful for the senators' joint letter and a similar missive previously sent by a group of over 170 members of the US House of Representatives. These letters show that both houses of congress have long considered Taiwanese people's right to health important, and also reflect widespread US recognition of and support for Taiwan's long-term contributions and efforts to international healthcare. Spokesperson Huang stated that, even under continued pressure from Beijing, Taiwan remains determined, and will continue to contribute to the international community and safeguard the health of its citizens.