TAIPEI, Taiwan — The United States’ top health official lauded Taiwan’s democracy on Monday as he met with the island’s leader for a visit laden with symbols of stronger ties between Washington and the self-ruled island claimed by Beijing. Alex M. Azar II, the secretary of health, is the highest ranking American official to visit Taiwan since Washington severed official ties with the island in 1979 and established formal diplomatic relations with the Communist government in Beijing. Mr. Azar landed on Sunday at Songshan Airport, in downtown Taipei, and was met by Brent Christensen, the de facto ambassador, and Taiwanese officials. His visit points to the increasingly important role Taiwan will play — and the risks the island will face — in a brewing ideological battle between the world’s two largest economies. “It is a true honor to be here to convey a message of strong support and friendship from President Trump to Taiwan,” Mr. Azar said in remarks at the Taiwanese presidential office before heading into a meeting with Tsai Ing-wen, the island’s leader.

Source: New York Times August 10, 2020 03:16 UTC