Updated
Updated · WLKY Louisville · Jul 5
Elaine Chao Met China's Vice President 3 Days After McConnell Hospitalization
Updated
Updated · WLKY Louisville · Jul 5

Elaine Chao Met China's Vice President 3 Days After McConnell Hospitalization

3 articles · Updated · WLKY Louisville · Jul 5

Summary

  • June 17 records released by China's U.S. embassy show Elaine Chao met Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, three days after Sen. Mitch McConnell was hospitalized.
  • The Chinese statement did not link the visit to any official U.S. government role, but said Chao and Han were committed to strengthening China-U.S. relations.
  • Han said the two agreed on a "new vision" for a constructive relationship marked by strategic stability and guidance for future bilateral ties.
  • Chao served as U.S. transportation secretary from 2017 to 2021 and labor secretary under George W. Bush; she has been married to McConnell since 1993.

Insights

Is a former official's private meeting now shaping the future of U.S.-China strategic policy?
How will the new U.S.-China 'vision' impact her family's shipping business with its deep ties to Beijing?