International Response Comparison in Early Epidemic: Evaluating Taiwan's Mask Export Restrictions vs. Aid Actions by the US, Japan, and Germany

This article compares the responses of the US, Japan, South Korea, and Germany during the initial outbreak of the Wuhan Virus in early 2020 to criticize Taiwan's government (Democratic Progressive Party) pandemic prevention policy. The author points out that the US, Japan, and Germany took supportive actions such as sharing technology, donating or discounting masks, and developing inhibitors, while Taiwan's government was the first to issue orders prohibiting mask sales and restricting mask carrying to mainland China. The author questions whether the Democratic Progressive Party was merely employing feints on professional pandemic prevention, manufacturing political division.