US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar today flew down to Taiwan, starting his highest-level visit in decades.

During his three-day visit to Taiwan, Minister Azar will meet Taiwanese island leader Thai Anh Van.

Minister Azar also plans to meet with anti-Covid-19 experts, address public health students and meet alumni who have participated in a training program in conjunction with the Control Center,

"This visit is a recognition of Taiwan's success in the anti-Covid-19 effort, and at the same time a testament to the shared belief that democratic and open societies are best equipped to fight against

However, China describes Minister Azar's visit as a threat to "security and stability".

Taiwan has become a model against Covid-19 by applying effective measures of zoning and tracing sources of transmission.

The United States severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan, transitioning to formally establishing relations with China in 1979. Even so, the United States remained the top arms supplier to the island.

Azar's visit comes amid escalating US-China tensions over a series of problems.

China has always viewed Taiwan as part of a territory awaiting reunification, even by force.