 Taiwan, being one of the most endemic areas, did not receive advice from the World Health Organization (WHO) because it lost its UN seat in 1976.Taiwan claims that the lack of direct communication precluded proper handling of the disease and caused unnecessary deaths on the island.In May 2003, James Soong, the Vice Presidential candidate under Lien Chan, criticized the ruling party for not being able to participate in WHO and thus receiving no international assistance on controlling the spread of SARS.