Taiwan

IN NEWS:

• USA have written to over 60 nations to garner their support towards the inclusion of Taiwan in the World Health Organisation (WHO).

TAIWAN:

• Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), is an island off the southern coast of China. Taipei is the capital.
• The Chinese government in Beijing has maintained that it has jurisdiction over Taiwan and has continued to propound a one-China policy. However, Taiwan is de-facto independent and has an elected government.

• China insists that nations cannot have official relations with both China and Taiwan. Hence, it refuses diplomatic relations with countries that recognize Taiwan. The US is Taiwan's most important friend and protector.
• It was a member of the United Nations till 1971. Today, it is the most populous state and largest economy that is not a member of the UN. Taiwan is one of the world’s largest producers of computers and computer peripherals.
• India has traditionally stuck to the One-China policy. However, they do maintain an unofficial economic and commercial relationship.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO):

• The WHO is United Nations’ specialized agency for Health, founded in 1948.
• It is headquartered Geneva, Switzerland and has 194 member States, 150 country offices and six regional offices.
• UN members can join WHO by unilateral, formal notification to the UN secretary-general that they accept the WHO constitution. A non-UN member may be admitted if its application is approved by a simple majority vote of the World Health Assembly.
• US has been pushing for Taiwan’s membership because Taiwan has been largel successful in tackling the spread of COVID19.

PRELIMS QUESTION:

Q. Arrange the following places in their increasing distance from the equator:

1. Port Blair
2. Taiwan
3. Kuala Lumpur
4. Hong Kong

Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:

1. 3-2-1-4
2. 4-3-1-2
3. 3-2-1-4
4. 3-1-4-2

Answer to Prelims question