Pompeo Urges "US Governors to Exercise Caution When Dealing with China"...Calls for Vigilance

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned U.S. governors on the 8th (local time) to adopt a cautious mindset when dealing with China. The Chinese government condemned the remarks as a malicious attack.

According to foreign media including the Associated Press on the 8th (local time), Secretary Pompeo, in a speech at the National Governors Association in Washington, urged extreme caution when engaging or investing with China, stating that China is attempting to exploit America's openness to undermine the United States. Pompeo warned, "China is pursuing policies that exploit our freedoms at the federal, state, and local government levels to gain advantageous positions in the U.S.," adding, "A China-backed think tank has evaluated the attitudes of the 50 U.S. states toward China and labeled governors as 'friendly, tough, or ambiguous.'"

He continued, "Quoting former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, I have told governors representing 55 states and territories that when approaching introductions or dealings with China, 'trust but verify' is essential," emphasizing, "I would be surprised if most of you have not been directly lobbied by the Chinese Communist Party."

Pompeo also stated, "In several cities including Richmond, Minneapolis, Portland, Florida, and Jupiter, pro-Chinese Communist Party groups have been established to expand China's influence," adding, "Chinese diplomats have also attempted to unsettle locally elected officials regarding issues such as Taiwan."

In response, the Chinese government condemned Pompeo's remarks targeting the ruling Communist Party as a malicious attack, emphasizing that any attempts to slander China or hinder its growth will fail.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.