Outgoing Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the Biden administration Tuesday (Jan. 19) that the Communist Party of China must be taken seriously as an “existential” threat to the United States.
In an interview with Fox News’ America Reports, Pompeo strongly praised President Trump‘s efforts to identify the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party to U.S. interests, in contrast to President-elect Biden’s past view of China (CCP) as an unimportant competitor.
“The threat from the Chinese Communist Party is real, and it exists for the United States. We have to get that right.” Pompeo said, “I’m counting on the next administration to continue our work, to continue to carry forward what we’ve done in the right way that the American people are asking for. I’m very confident that the American people have understood this challenge from the Chinese Communist Party. I will look to every leader, regardless of political affiliation, to continue to protect and secure America’s freedoms.”
Anthony Blinken, who will take over as secretary of state, told a Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday that the United States should show “humility” in its foreign policy.
Asked by reporters if he was concerned that Blinken would embark on an “apology tour” after taking office, Pompeo replied, “I hope not.”
Pompeo said, “I’m proud of this country, which is the most exceptional country in the history of civilization. I’m proud of the work that the Trump Administration has done on the Middle East, on China. We’ve made Life better for people all over the world. We recognize that the people of Iran and North Korea deserve better, and we’ve worked diligently to make that happen. This should not be something that the United States we should apologize for.”
Pompeo’s comments come on the same day that the U.S. officially recognized the systematic oppression of Uighur Muslims by the Chinese Communist Party as “genocide and Crimes Against Humanity.” The U.S. action may prompt the Biden Administration to impose further sanctions on the Chinese Communist Party.
State Department officials described the latest move in a conference call Tuesday, saying Pompeo made the determination after reviewing “detailed documentation of [the Chinese Communist Party’s] own policies, practices and atrocities in Xinjiang. According to officials, China (CCP) has put Uighurs in labor camps and forced them to do hard labor, sterilization and abortions.
In a statement, Pompeo said, “After a careful review of the available facts, I have determined that China, under the direction and control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has committed genocide against the predominantly Muslim Uighur and other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang.” “I believe this genocide is ongoing, and we are witnessing a systematic attempt by the Chinese party state to destroy the Uighur people.”
Pompeo told Fox News, “We would not have done it if we had not determined this decision (crime). The information I’m releasing today about the determination is appropriate, appropriate and hopefully will lead to a better life for the people of this region.”
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