The visit has been condemned by Beijing, which considers Taiwan as Chinese territory, and comes amid an all-time low in US-China relations.
Speaking Monday, Azar said his trip “demonstrates the robust US-Taiwan partnership on global health and safety, one of many aspects of our comprehensive friendship.”
“We view Taiwan as a vital partner, a democratic success story, and a force for good in the world,” he added.
“There are three overarching themes for this journey. The first is to recognize Taiwan as an open and democratic society, and to implement a very successful and transparent COVID-19 response. The second is to affirm Taiwan as a long-term partner and friend of the United States ”
Speaking to Azar, Tsai thanked US President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Azar “for their continued recognition of the Taiwan model’s contribution to global anti-pandemic efforts, as well as for its strong support for Taiwan’s international participation. “
Tsai described the development on Monday as “very regrettable”.
Cross tension voltages
Although the Communist Party has never controlled Taiwan, Beijing considers the island a sovereign part of China.
“I want to emphasize that the one-China principle is universally recognized by the international community. Any attempt to ignore, deny or challenge that principle is doomed to failure.”
Following the conclusion of the 1949 Chinese Civil War, when the defeated nationalist government returned to Taiwan, the Republic of China – as the island is officially known – maintained diplomatic relations and a seat of the United Nations, which meant that there were effectively two Chinese competing for recognition and alliances.
As many countries opened relations with the People’s Republic of China, they severed ties with Taiwan, which lost its UN seat in 1971.
Today, few countries have diplomatic relations with the island, instead recognizing Beijing as the legitimate “one-China” government. However, many countries, including the US, do not recognize Chinese claims to sovereignty over the island of Taiwan.
In recent years, as Taiwan moves further away from China’s path, and Tsai’s pro-independence Democratic People’s Party elects, calls have grown in some quarters to do more for countries to support the island in the face of Chinese pressure. , both military and diplomatic.
With tensions growing between Washington and Beijing, the US appears ready to trade with Taiwan more than in the past, including through arms sales and visits such as Azar’s.
Speaking Monday, Azar said his visit was “consistent with the United States’ ‘long-standing’ ‘one-China policy’ and past involvement with Taiwan.”
Paula Hancocks reported from Taiwan. James Griffiths reported from Hong Kong.
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