Days after the hospitalization, she was in Beijing, where she met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. According to published by the Chinese Embassy in the United States, Han called for stronger cooperation between China and the United States in areas including trade and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Chao, for her part, said maintaining stable relations between the two countries served the interests of all parties. She also expressed a willingness to continue supporting practical cooperation and exchanges between the United States and China.
With McConnell still hospitalized back in the United States, however, questions remained about why Chao had continued her trip rather than immediately returning home. Her representative has now responded.
Elaine Chao speaks during a public appearance, as questions later emerged about her decision to continue a trip to China while her husband, Mitch McConnell, remained hospitalized in the United States. | Source: Getty Images
Inprovided to WLKY, a spokesperson for Chao said the former Cabinet official had been on a previously planned trip connected to her family’s philanthropic work:
“The secretary was on a long-planned trip in China to support her family’s philanthropic endeavors. During the trip, she met with a number of people, including the U.S. ambassador. The Senator’s health did not warrant an immediate return to the U.S.”
Chao has since returned to the United States. Her staff did not say whether she had been in contact with McConnell since coming home. The senator’s latest hospitalization comes after several health scares in recent years, some of which unfolded in full public view.
Elaine Chao speaks during a public appearance, as her representative later explained why she did not immediately return from China following Mitch McConnell’s hospitalization. | Source: Getty Images
Earlier in 2026, McConnell was . According to an ABC7 report on the February hospitalization, spokesperson David Popp said the senator had checked himself into a local hospital for evaluation “in an abundance of caution.”
At the time, Popp said McConnell’s prognosis was positive and that he remained in regular contact with staff. Years earlier, McConnell’s health became the subject of intense public attention when he appeared to freeze during a news conference. In July 2023, the senator paused mid-remark and remained silent for about 20 seconds.
As colleagues approached him and helped him step down from the podium, after which he later returned to answer questions. Asked what had happened, McConnell said he was “fine.” A little over a month later, a similar episode occurred in Kentucky.
According to a BBC report on theMcConnell paused for more than 30 seconds after a reporter asked whether he planned to run for reelection in 2026. A spokesperson said McConnell had felt “momentarily lightheaded,” while a staffer said he felt fine but would consult a physician. Those episodes came months after a more serious fall.
