Taiwan's mask donation announcement comes as the White House coronavirus task force is debating whether to reverse the current U.S. recommendation against wearing masks in public, an about-face that President Donald Trump informally endorsed at his Wednesday evening press conference.
Taiwan, meanwhile, is seeking to strengthen its position in the international medical community, having been largely excluded from involvement with the World Health Organization due to pressure from China.
Earlier last month, Academia Sinica, Taiwan’s most prominent research institution, held a video conference with the U.S., EU, Czech Republic and Canada to discuss the research and development of COVID-19 test kits, vaccines and reagents.
In addition to working with charities and nongovernmental organizations, Taiwan is also slated to start collaborating with the Czech Republic on the production of test kits and vaccines and the exchange of medical supplies and equipment. Taiwan previously received alcohol for making hand sanitizer from Australia in exchange for fabric used for masks.
\"Taiwan again urges WHO to comprehensively include it in related meetings, mechanisms and activities, so that Taiwan can work hand in hand with the world to overcome this grave challenge,\" Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. \"Taiwan will take concrete actions to prove to the international community that the world needs Taiwan and that Taiwan will not be absent.\"
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