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US Minister of Health and Welfare held a meeting with President Cha Ying Yi-Won while visiting Taiwan. This is the first time the US Minister has visited Taiwan since the US and Taiwan ended diplomatic relations in 1979, and China's backlash is likely to be strong.

Correspondent Song Wook from Beijing reports.

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Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-won met with US Minister of Health and Welfare Alix Aiza on the morning of the 10th.

Secretary Aiza, who arrived in Taiwan yesterday afternoon, is one of the top US officials who visited Taiwan after the US broke up with Taiwan in 1979.

The Taiwanese government broadcasted the talks live on the official Facebook page.

After meeting with President Chai Ing-won, Minister Aiza will visit the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control and visit the incense burner of former President Li Deng Hui.

Minister Aza said the purpose of the visit is to confirm cooperation in the public health sector, including the prevention of COVID-19.

In reality, however, the Trump administration's interpretation of the Chinese press prevails.

The U.S. is strengthening exchanges with Taiwan and increasing arms exports to Taiwan as part of a hard-line route to China.

China, with its “one China” principle, has expressed strong opposition to Aiza's visit to Taiwan.

He warned that the Taiwan issue is the most sensitive issue in US-China relations.

[Wang Won-bin/Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China (Last 5th): China firmly opposes any official contact between the United States and Taiwan. This position is consistent and clear.]

Depending on the level of China's response, the conflict between the US and China could reinforce.