Letter to the editor, The Globe and Mail, published November 18, 2005

Re: Human Bird Flu in China, November 17, 2005

The disturbing reports of China's first human cases of avian flu are obviously cause for concern. But if the international community is serious about stopping the spread of such viruses, then it must reconsider its exclusion of Taiwan from the World Health Organization.

Taiwan is an important transportation hub in East Asia, as well as a transit point for many migratory birds. During the 2003 SARS outbreak, 23 million Taiwanese citizens were denied access to some crucial WHO resources. Although Beijing is likely to oppose Taiwan's participation in the WHO, other countries should remember that the health and well-being of citizens in Taiwan and across the world trump any objection China may have.

Stan Lai,
Vice-President,
Formosan Association for Public Affairs Canada