US health chief says Taiwan talks touched on bilateral trade pact

Azar questions Russia's COVID vaccine, calling process 'not transparent'

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar tours Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center on Aug. 10. © Reuters

LAULY LI, Nikkei staff writer

August 12, 2020 15:10 JST

Updated on August 12, 2020 19:34 JST

TAIPEI -- U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar's landmark visit to Taiwan has touched on more than just cooperation against COVID-19, he confided to reporters on Wednesday, noting that discussions have touched on a bilateral trade deal and luring Taiwanese manufacturers to the U.S.

Azar, the highest-level U.S. cabinet member to visit Taiwan since 1979, also voiced skepticism over the biggest coronavirus news of the moment -- Russia's claim to have successfully developed a vaccine.