Under the Roof of One China

During the 2004 presidential election camapign, both Mainland China and Taiwan are epidemic of SARS at the same time in 2003. Taiwan, being one of the most endemic area, did not receive the advice from WHO since the People's Republic of China insists itself to represent the 23 million people in the WHO and forbid Taiwan government's participation in WHO. Taiwan claim that the lack of direct communication precluded proper handeling of the disease and caused unnecessary death on the island.

On May 2003, James Soong bashed the ruling party for not being able to participate WHO and thus no international assistance on controlling SARS spread. James Soong proposed that once elected, he will not challenge the one china principle set by PRC and at the same time seek international participation in different international organizations. He named this cross strait policy as Under the Roof of One China principle. Soong believed that with this Under the Roof of One China principle, he would be able to lead Taiwan to obtain a seat in WHO. Political opponents questioned how can he guard the sovereignty of Taiwan and accept Taiwan to be part of China at the same time. The principle was subsequently abandoned by him and his running mate in 2004 presidential election.