‘Tide Is Turning' On China, Pompeo Tells Senators

Top official says US has warned Russia about all threats that it poses to American interests in various parts of the world; Hong Kong disqualifies 12 candidates from running in polls

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday the “tide is turning” in US dealings with China, saying there is international support for American policies even as he said he was dismayed at the number of countries supporting Beijing’s new security law for Hong Kong.

Reflecting rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, Pompeo took a tough line on China in testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committees.

“We see the Chinese Communist Party (CCP.0) for what it is: the central threat of our times,” Pompeo said.

He said other countries are supporting US initiatives like the push not to use Huawei Technologies Co Ltd equipment in 5G networks and stepped-up maritime maneuvers in the South China Sea.

“Our vigorous diplomacy has helped lead an international awakening to the threat of the CCP. Senators, the tide is turning,” Pompeo said.

Pompeo also noted the difficulty of forming an international alliance, given China’s economic strength. He said he was “surprised and dismayed” at the number of countries that backed Beijing’s crackdown on the autonomy of Hong Kong.