Mike Pompeo accuses China of stirring up racial unrest in US

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of trying to foment unrest in the US through its criticism of racism.

Taiwanese representatives travelled to Madison for Mike Pompeo’s address, in which he offered strong support for the island. Picture: AFP

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of trying to foment unrest in the US through its criticism of racism.

Mr Pompeo went on the attack against Beijing in an address to state legislators in Wisconsin.

The Chinese Communist Party “thinks it can drown out American cries for accountability with shouts of racism,” he said on Wednesday (Thursday AEST) at the state Capitol in Madison. “The CCP wants to foment the kind of strife we’ve seen in Minneapolis, and Portland and Kenosha. That’s disgusting. We can’t let it happen.”

As evidence of China’s intentions, Mr Pompeo pointed to a ­letter from a Chinese diplomat to a legislators from Wisconsin.

The letter said Beijing was “firmly opposed to racial discrimination and xenophobia” against the Chinese community in the US over the coronavirus crisis.

“They want you to believe that America’s righteous anger at the CCP over its handling of the coronavirus has something to do with race. It does not,” Mr Pompeo said.

“It has everything to do with citizens who are no longer with us, children who are not able to go back to school and jobs that have been lost. The CCP knows this.”

The US frequently assails China’s human rights record, including over its incarceration of more than a million Uighurs.

China’s official media eagerly returned criticism after the May killing of African American George Floyd by Minneapolis police.

Taiwanese representatives travelled to Madison for Mr Pompeo’s address, in which he offered strong support for the island.

China frequently pushes local US leaders to shun Taiwan.

“When you are approached by a Chinese diplomat, it is likely not in the spirit of true co-operation or friendship,” Mr Pompeo said.

“You can ignore CCP threats and encourage mayors and businesspeople to engage with a free and democratic Taiwan.”

China voiced anger last week and carried out military exercises after a senior State Department official visited Taiwan for the ­funeral of president Lee Teng-hui.

AFP