US To Begin Highest Level Taiwan Visit In Decades
Sumaira FH Published August 09, 2020 | 07:50 AM
Taipei, Aug 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Aug, 2020 ) :A senior member of US President Donald Trump's administration will land in Taiwan Sunday for Washington's highest level visit since switching diplomatic recognition to China in 1979, a move Beijing has condemned.
During the three-day trip Health Secretary Alex Azar will meet President Tsai Ing-wen, an advocate for Taiwan being recognised as a sovereign nation who is loathed by China's leaders.
Azar is the most senior cabinet member to visit Taiwan in decades and it comes as relations between the world's two biggest economic powers plunge to historic lows.
Washington has billed the trip as an opportunity to learn from Taiwan's fight against the coronavirus and to celebrate 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 department official told reporters ahead of the visit.
Beijing balks at any recognition of self-ruled Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory and vows to one day seize, by force if necessary.
Last week it described Azar's visit as a threat to "peace and stability" while China's defence minister warned against Washington making any "dangerous moves".
As well as meeting Tsai, Azar will hold talks with his counterpart Chen Shih-chung and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu.
He will also meet coronavirus experts and give a speech to public health students as well as alumni of a training programme with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Taiwan has become a poster child for defeating the coronavirus thanks to a well honed track and tracing programme as well as firm border controls.
Despite its proximity and economic links to China it has recorded fewer than 500 infections and seven deaths.
In contrast the US has recorded the most deaths in the world with more than 160,000 fatalities.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
London, Frankfurt stocks hit record highs on rate-cut hopes
May 9 culprits must be brought to logical end: Hanif Abbasi
Sanchez escapes through dust and gravel for nervy Giro triumph
Balochistan Assembly passes resolution to condemn May 9 attacks
Spain govt vows to block hostile BBVA bid for rival bank
NADRA holds open court to resolve public issues in Quetta
In south Brazil, race on to deliver aid ahead of new storms
Appeals against cipher case verdict adjourned till May 15
PIPS collaborates with CfP to enhance technological, educational infrastructure
China launches new satellite
Incidents of misbehavior with patrolling officers are unacceptable: IG NH&MP
Police arrests drug supplier, recover mainpuri
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Concerted efforts urged to ease traffic flow on city roads
5 days ago -
Land degradation: A threat to food security
5 days ago -
Revamping health sector, a gigantic task ahead
5 days ago -
American band promotes intercultural harmony thru music fusions
6 days ago -
Waste Management – A persistent challenge for MWMC
7 days ago -
Experts for ending child labour
9 days ago
-
Labour Day - A reminder for better facilities to workers
9 days ago -
Stage Drama Mohabati Manhoon presents in Arts council Larkana
11 days ago -
Wheat farmers in a fix on price, procurement mechanism
12 days ago -
Modern tools to help transform crime investigation procedures
12 days ago -
Sanam Marvi captivates audience with mesmerizing performance
13 days ago -
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
14 days ago