Embattled WHO Chief says he is a victim of ‘racist comments’ with Taiwan encouraging it

A massive row has erupted after the chief of the World Health Organization (WHO) accused Taiwan’s leaders of spearheading personal attacks on him.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he had been subjected to racist comments and death threats for months and that Taiwan was promoting it.

President Tsai Ing-wen said in response that Taiwan opposed any form of discrimination, and invited Dr Tedros to visit the island.

Taiwan said it had been denied access to vital information as the coronavirus spread but this is rejected by the WHO.

Taiwan is excluded from the WHO, the United Nations health agency, because of China’s objections to its membership. The Chinese Communist Party regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and claims the right to take it by force if necessary.

Dr Tedros said he had been at the receiving end of racist comments for the past two to three months.

“Giving me names, black or negro. I’m proud of being black, or proud of being negro.”

He then said he had received death threats, adding: “I don’t give a damn.”

The WHO chief said the abuse had originated from Taiwan, “and the foreign ministry didn’t disassociate” itself from it.

But Ms Tsai said Taiwan was opposed to discrimination.

“For years, we have been excluded from international organisations, and we know better than anyone else what it feels like to be discriminated against and isolated,” Reuters news agency quoted her as saying.

If Director-General Tedros could withstand pressure from China and come to Taiwan to see Taiwan’s efforts to fight Covid-19 for himself, he would be able to see that the Taiwanese people are the true victims of unfair treatment.”

UNN is a truly alternative news organisation delivering live shows, articles, outside broadcasts and so much more! We desperately need your support to continue each month and you can support our work by Clicking Here Now and SUBSCRIBING to show your support for Real News!