Trump Raises Criticism to the Highest Level Using Slang
Pompeo Criticizes the Regime Ahead of China's Largest Political Event
Speculation on Xi Jinping Containment
[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Wacko. Dope. Vicious dictatorship. The Donald Trump administration in the United States has escalated tensions to the highest level by unleashing harsh words against China regarding the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) situation. As China’s Lianghui (National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference), which had been postponed due to COVID-19, is set to begin on the 21st, the U.S. appears to be launching a full-scale offensive.
On the 20th (local time), President Trump claimed on his Twitter, "Some wacko in China just issued a statement blaming everyone except China for the virus that killed hundreds of thousands."
He continued, "Please explain to this dope that the massive global killing was caused by none other than China’s incompetence."
It has not been confirmed which Chinese statement President Trump was referring to when he used such provocative words. While President Trump has increased his criticism of China, calling the World Health Organization (WHO) a puppet of China, he had not used slang terms until now.
Police officers wearing masks are marching in front of the entrance to the Forbidden City in Beijing ahead of the opening of the Two Sessions (Lianghui: the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference), China's largest political event. This year's Two Sessions are being held about two months later than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [Image source=Yonhap News]
However, given that China’s largest annual political event, the Lianghui, starts on the 21st, the U.S. may have raised the level of its offensive. Typically, on the last day of the Lianghui, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a lengthy speech. Since this speech is expected to include a declaration of victory in the war against COVID-19, it appears the U.S. launched a preemptive strike.
Secretary Pompeo also intensified criticism of China in line with President Trump. In a press briefing, Pompeo claimed, "China has been ruled by a vicious dictatorship since 1949."
It is unusual for the U.S. Secretary of State, responsible for American diplomacy, to describe a counterpart country as a vicious dictatorship, effectively calling Chinese President Xi Jinping a dictator. This is a term typically reserved for U.S. adversaries such as Iran or Venezuela.
He added, "We have greatly underestimated how ideologically and politically hostile Beijing is to the free world," and said the entire world is awakening to this fact.
Pompeo even provoked China by mentioning Taiwan and Hong Kong. He said, "I want to congratulate President Tsai on her inauguration," emphasizing, "The democratic process in Taiwan has matured and serves as a model worldwide. Despite tremendous external pressure, Taiwan has demonstrated wisdom by giving its people a voice and choice," highlighting Taiwan’s transparency in contrast to China.
Pompeo had also congratulated President Tsai on her re-election in a statement the previous day. This was the first time a U.S. Secretary of State issued a congratulatory statement on the inauguration of a Taiwanese president.
Regarding Hong Kong, Pompeo said, "Our decision on whether Hong Kong continues to enjoy a high degree of autonomy from China is still pending," and "We are closely monitoring what is happening there."
The Hong Kong South China Morning Post commented, "President Trump’s excited rhetoric shows that attacking China is central to his strategy for the November presidential election."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
