TMCnet News
China refuses to allow Taiwan to join int'l bird flu conference(Asia In Focus Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)TAIPEI, Jan 18 Asia in Focus - Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) officials expressed deep regret and discontent Tuesday over China's refusal to allow Taiwan to take part in an international conference on bird flu control and prevention in Beijing. According to the MOFA, the International Pledging Conference on Avian and Human Pandemic slated for Jan. 17-18 is aimed at raising funds for the control and prevention of bird flu. * MOFA officials said China's rejection of Taiwan reflects Beijing's common practice of "putting politics before professionalism." * The move, which pays no heed to the Taiwan people's right to health, is unhelpful to the development of friendship and mutual trust between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, they said. SUMMARY Officials express deep discontent over China's refusal to allow Taiwan to take part in int'l bird flu conference ASIA IN FOCUS 18-01 1149 |