US Health and Human Services Secretary Visits Taiwan

Voice of America
09 Aug 2020, 17:05 GMT+10

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar arrived in Taiwan Sunday, leading a U.S. delegation for a three-day visit during which he will meet President Tsai Ing-wen.

This is the highest-level visit by an American official since the break in diplomatic relations between Washington and Taipei in 1979.

The visit comes as relations between the United States and China have plunged to historic lows.

China objects to official contact between the U.S. and Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory, while the Taiwanese president has strongly advocated Taiwan's recognition as a sovereign nation.

Beijing has strongly and repeatedly objected to recognition of self-ruled Taiwan and has vowed to seize the island by force if necessary.

Last week, China described Azar's visit as a threat to "peace and stability," while its defense minister warned against "dangerous moves" by Washington.

Washington has said the Taiwan trip is an opportunity to learn from the island's success story in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and to acknowledge its progressive values.

"This trip is a recognition of Taiwan's success in combating COVID-19 and a testament to the shared beliefs that open and democratic societies are best equipped to combating disease threats like COVID-19," a Health and Human Services official said to reporters before the trip.

Taiwan has recorded fewer than 500 COVID-19 cases and only seven deaths.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Calgary Monitor.

More Information

null in null

North America

Section

Canada-US trade talks resume after Carney rescinds tech tax

TORONTO, Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced late on June 29 that trade negotiations with the U.S. have recommenced...

US, India to ink 10-year Defence Framework by year end

Washington D C [US], July 3 (ANI): India and the United States of America have agreed to sign a new 10-year US-India Defence Framework...

Federal judge blocks President Trump's asylum ban at the Southern border

Washington, DC [US], July 3, ANI: A federal judge on Wednesday blocked United States President Donald Trump's asylum ban at the Southern...

US-Vietnam trade deal offers cautionary lessons for India, says GTRI Report

New Delhi [India], July 3 (ANI): A new trade agreement between the United States and Vietnam is raising concerns and offering key lessons...

US student visa applications have opened, says State Department official

Washington DC [US], July 3 (ANI): US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mignon Houston on Wednesday (local time) stated that student...

India is an essential partner, we want fair and reciprocal trade: US State Department's Mignon Houston

Washington DC [US], July 3 (ANI): US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mignon Houston on Wednesday (local time) said that India...

Canada

Section