In Taiwan, U.S. health chief attacks China's pandemic response

''The Chinese Communist Party had the chance to warn the world and work with the world on battling the virus. But they chose not to, and the costs of that choice mount higher every day," Azar said during speech at a university in Taipei, capital of self-ruled Taiwan.

Azar praised Taiwan's virus response, adding that he thought the world should recognize Taiwan's health accomplishments.

Azar arrived in Taiwan on Sunday (August 9) as the highest-level U.S. official to visit in four decades, a trip condemned by China.

Taiwan has been praised by health experts for its early and effective steps to control the outbreak, with only 480 infections, including seven deaths.