ABSTRACT
This chapter examines Taiwan’s drive to gain a voice in the most important global institution related to public health – the World Health Organization (WHO). It provides a general outline of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, discusses the recent campaign to join the WHO, and analyzes the costs incurred by denying Taiwan admission to the world body. The conclusion is that it is in every nation’s interest to support Taiwan’s application for observer status in the WHO and help find ways for the island’s voice to be heard in it. To do otherwise undermines the principle of international cooperation and constitutes a threat to the health of the entire global community. A rising China should use its enhanced power for mutual benefit.
