US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had strong words for China today, saying that the United States “supports India in dealing with any threats.” In the context of India’s military confrontation with Chinese troops on the Royal Line of Control in Ladakh, he also expressed his country’s support for India in its efforts to “defend its sovereignty.”
Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark T Esper arrived Monday for crucial talks aimed at boosting defense and security ties between the two countries.
The 175-day standoff in Ladakh was discussed in his 40-minute meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in the Southern Block, authorities said.
“We pay our respect to the soldiers who gave their lives in the Galwan Valley recently,” Pompeo said after a visit to the Delhi National War Memorial, referring to the 20 soldiers who died in a clash with Chinese troops on June 15. .
“The United States will support India in its efforts to defend its sovereignty and freedom … Our nations are committed to working together to expand our partnerships on many fronts,” he added.
Strongly denouncing China, Pompeo said the coronavirus pandemic that “came from Wuhan” has triggered a “solid discussion” about the Chinese Communist Party.
“Our leaders and our citizens see more clearly that the Communist Party of China is not a friend of democracy, the rule of law, transparency and freedom of navigation, the foundation of a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific. I am glad to say that India and the United States are taking all measures to strengthen cooperation against all threats and not just those posed by the CCP, “he added.
The dispute between the United States and China over trade issues had multiplied after the coronavirus pandemic, with US President Donald Trump blaming China directly for the outbreak. Pompeo, who attended the Quad meeting last month, criticized China at the time for its expansionist attitude, “exploitation, corruption and coercion.”
It is “more critical now than ever that we collaborate to protect our people and partners from exploitation, corruption and coercion by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party),” he added, citing China’s actions in the South and East Seas of China. , Hong Kong and the Himalayas. , the Taiwan Strait … these are just a few examples, “he had said.
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