Pride and Prejudice in Taiwan's Epidemic Prevention Measures

 Pride and Prejudice in Taiwan's Epidemic Prevention Measures

United Daily News Editorial (Taipei, Taiwan)

February 14, 2020

 Translation of an Excerpt

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 pneumonia worldwide has exceeded 60,000, with the death toll climbing to over 1,300; however, the number of confirmed cases in Taiwan has been controlled at 18, lower than Japan, South Korea, Singapore and other neighboring countries. Thus, it may be seen that the epidemic control in this country has indeed been effective. Nevertheless, while congratulating ourselves for the effective epidemic prevention, we cannot overlook some operations not in conformity with professionalism and humanitarianism.

While Taiwan is in the midst of seeking to revive our observership at the WHA, the Tsai government has endlessly stressed that it would adopt discriminatory treatment on Mainland spouses and their children, which is indeed unwise. This time, the entire world has been countering the COVID-19 pneumonia in concerted efforts, for the simple reason of safeguarding all humanity’s health. One country has to take care of its own nationals’ health, but it does not mean that the health of other countries’ nationals must be relegated to second place. Moreover, some Mainland spouses’ children have not acquired ROC nationality, not because they have chosen to forsake it, but because they were still patiently waiting for approval with anxiety. The Tsai government did not have to put this problem on the table at this juncture, nevertheless for catering to clamorous netizens, it did it unwisely. Doesn’t it care that this would leave other countries the impression of "discrimination"?

The target of epidemic prevention is the virus, while what needs protection is people's health. In this procedure, we should not allow pride and prejudice to shade reason and mind.

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