McConnell’s Wife Makes Bizarre Overseas Trip While He’s Hospitalized

Chinese officials did not indicate that Chao’s trip involved any official U.S. government business.

According to the embassy, the meeting focused on strengthening relations between China and the United States.

Meanwhile, the Daily Beast reported that Chao traveled to China just three days after McConnell reportedly had a cardiac arrest and underwent CPR.

The DB also reported that Chao met with the Chinese vice president, a largely ceremonial position.

Photographs published by Chinese state media show Chao meeting with Han Zheng on June 17.

According to Chinese officials, the two discussed efforts to strengthen relations between China and the United States, though Chao has no authority to negotiate anything on behalf of the U.S. government.

The timing of the visit has drawn additional attention following McConnell’s hospitalization on June 14.