Pompeo: "China Exploits Tragic Death of Black Man... Attempt to Politically Use It Will Fail"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo harshly criticized China for mentioning the case in which Black man George Floyd died during police arrest, saying, "The Chinese Communist Party's attempt to politically exploit this incident will fail."

On the 6th (local time), Secretary Pompeo pointed out on his Twitter, "China ruthlessly enforces communism at the worst time. Amid the most difficult crisis, the United States defends freedom." This appears to be a response recognizing Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian's statement on the 1st expressing support for protests across the U.S. by saying "Black lives matter." Chinese state media have also recently reported critically on the U.S. government's response to the protests.

In addition to the tweet, Secretary Pompeo said in an official statement, "The Chinese Communist Party's callous exploitation of Floyd's tragic death to justify authoritarian denial of basic human dignity reveals its true nature," and criticized, "No one should be fooled by such ridiculous propaganda."

Secretary Pompeo argued, "The United States and the Chinese Communist Party could not be more starkly contrasted," stating, "When churches burn in China, it is almost certainly under the Communist Party's orders, but when churches burn in the U.S., the government punishes the arsonists." He continued, "In China, peaceful protesters from Hong Kong to Tiananmen Square are beaten by armed forces simply for raising their voices, but in the U.S., rogue officials are punished, peaceful protesters are welcomed, and looting and violence are suppressed."

He added, "In China, the Communist Party silences and makes disappear doctors and journalists warning about new diseases, lies about the scale of deaths and outbreaks, whereas in the U.S., human life is valued, a transparent treatment system is established, and solutions for the entire globe are pursued."

Secretary Pompeo's statement comes amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and China. The U.S. is increasing pressure on China by emphasizing its responsibility for the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law (Hong Kong Security Law).