Azar Going to Taiwan, China Unhappy With the Trip

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Health and Human Service Secretary and former Eli Lilly CEO Alex Azar is going to Taiwan. China is not happy about the visit and is complaining to the United States, saying the visit could harm relations between the U.S. and China.

“Taiwan has been a model of transparency, cooperation, and collaboration in the international community,” said Azar. “Their response to COVID has been incredible and frankly, it stacks up pretty well in terms of their transparency compared to certain other entities.”

Azar, who is the top health official in the U.S., would be the highest-ranking person in the American government to visit Taiwan since 1979, when the U.S. chose to cut ties with Taiwan and recognize China, with diplomatic relations.

“I’m looking forward to going over and being with my colleagues there.”

Azar did not give an exact date for the visit, but the Dept. of Health and Guman Services said the visit will happen in the coming days.

“I look forward to conveying President Trump’s support for Taiwan’s global health leadership and underscoring our shared belief that free and democratic societies are the best model for protecting and promoting health,” said Azar.

Though Taiwan is a self-governed island, the Chinese government claims the country as its own.