TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan deserves to be in the World Health Organization, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago Director Dennis Lei (類延峰) said on Monday in a letter to the Wisconsin newspaper The Capital Times.

Lei said Taiwan participates in global health affairs and supports the world’s health system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan played “a crucial role” by providing medical supplies and sharing its experiences, proving to be a reliable partner during this time, he said.

Citing a Numbeo survey, Lei said Taiwan ranked first in the Health Care Index category for seven consecutive years. Taiwan’s national health insurance system facilitates an efficient exchange of medical records, he said.

However, Taiwan’s exclusion from the WHO is “due to China’s continued distortion” of UN Resolution 2758 and World Health Assembly Resolution 25.1. “Neither of these resolutions mentions Taiwan or declares that Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China,” Lei said. Thus, they do not give China “any right to represent Taiwan in WHO.”

The director called on WHO to recognize Taiwan’s contributions to global public health. Taiwan should be included, as a matter of pragmatism, based on the UN values of inclusiveness and universality, he said.

Last week, Lei led a group of over 60 Taiwanese Americans in a Polish Constitution Day Parade in Chicago, carrying banners advocating for participation in WHA. He urged US Midwest communities to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the WHO and WHA so Taiwan can aid more nations and help build a future of global health without borders.

The 78th WHA is scheduled from May 19-27.