Pompeo smears on China in Indonesia rebuked


US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo adjusts his facemask during a joint press briefing with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Ministry of Foreign Relations in Colombo on Oct 28, 2020. - AFP
BEIJING, Oct 31 (China Daily/ANN): The Chinese ambassador to Indonesia has denounced the erroneous remarks made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during the top US diplomat's recent visit to Asia.

In Indonesia, Pompeo smeared China and tried to pit China against Indonesia, which undermines regional peace and stability.

With China a central theme, Pompeo took aim at Beijing in the South China Sea issue, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the handling of the coronavirus pandemic, The Associated Press reported.

He wrapped up his five-nation Asian tour in Vietnam on Friday (Oct 30). His previous stops also included India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

The US government has made confronting China, its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, the so-called human rights record, and the South China Sea issue among its main foreign policy priorities.

"We firmly oppose such efforts. Pompeo's remarks and moves further lay bare the United States' vile attempt and highlights some of its own serious problems," Ambassador Xiao Qian said in a statement on the embassy's website.

As an instigator of a new Cold War, the United States is an obstructionist in global openness and cooperation, he said.

The US "Indo-Pacific strategy" is to hype up military undertones and confrontation, trumpet an old-fashioned Cold War mentality and build a so-called new NATO in the "Indo-Pacific" dominated by itself, the ambassador said, adding such a dangerous attempt to turn back the wheel of history poses a grave threat to regional peace and stability.

"With the goal of bringing benefits to all, the Belt and Road Initiative follows an approach of extensive consultation, joint development and shared benefits, and advocates openness and inclusiveness.

"More than 100 countries and international organisations have supported the initiative. Projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway are delivering tangible benefits to countries along the route including Indonesia."

Calling the US the most dangerous factor jeopardising peace in the South China Sea, Xiao said the US has not ratified the United Nations Convention On The Law Of The Sea but always posed as a defender of it.

"The US has repeatedly pitted regional countries against one another, flexed its muscles and instigated tensions. It is becoming the biggest factor fueling militarisation and the most dangerous factor jeopardizing peace in the South China Sea."

An article published by The Jakarta Post on Tuesday said that Pompeo was seemingly engaged in "an impossible mission" to persuade, or more precisely, to pressure Indonesia to work closely with the US in cornering and isolating China, which is Indonesia's most important trading partner.

"The mission comes as Washington's global power and influence is diminishing in part because (the US) has slashed many fiscal and economic incentives, while unilaterally punishing its allies and strategic partners," the article added. - China Daily/Asian News Network

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
China , Rebuke , USA , Accusations , Pompeo , Recent Asian Tour

Next In Aseanplus News

Europe cyber attacks a timely lesson for Malaysia’s food supply chain, says expert
Use Deepavali celebration to foster peace, harmony, Anwar urges Malaysians
Speaker admonishes administration members over Dewan Rakyat absences, skipped questions
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Thursday (Nov 5, 2026)
Will US midterm results lead to disruption in Washington’s ties with China?
Praised as heroes, stung by criticism: firefighters torn over Tai Po blaze report
Factbox-Soccer-Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo
Thailand bans textbook on national security grounds
Vietnam PM Hung pledges optimal conditions for Airbus to expand operations
Settle differences in Cabinet, not on campaign trail, Anwar tells unity govt leaders

Air Pollutant Index

Note: API is calculated based on 24hr running average of the most dominant parameter.

Highest API Readings

    Select State and Location to view the latest API reading

    Others Also Read