Taiwan president launches final bid to join WHO

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian will reapply for a seat on the World Health Organisation in what could be his final jab at China, which claims the island as its own and blocks it from joining international agencies.

Chen, who steps down on May 20 after eight years of advocating more autonomy for Taiwan, said in a statement on Thursday he would send a letter to WHO in Geneva asking for the island to be admitted as a member or as an observer.

"The lives and health of 23 million Taiwan people shouldn't be deprived," his statement said of Taiwan's 12th application.

"In recent years, China's blocking, pressure and belittlement of Taiwan's space in international organisations and activities have got more resolute day by day."

The application will use the name "Taiwan" rather than the island's legal name "Republic of China", the statement said. The name promotes an identity separate from mainland China.

China has claimed sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. Beijing has vowed to bring the island back under its rule, by force if necessary.

As China does not regard Taiwan as a country, it opposes membership for the island in WHO which stipulates that only sovereign nations can join.

WHO voted 148-17 in Geneva in May 2007 to bar Taiwan despite a particularly vigorous campaign by the island. China and its scores of diplomatic allies blocked the bid.

Taiwan must apply by April 19 to be considered, a Taiwan foreign ministry spokeswoman said.