United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo yesterday cited India's banning of Chineses apps as an indication that US efforts to lead an “international awakening” against the Chinese government is working and the “tide is turning” as a result.
"India has banned 106 Chinese applications that threatened its citizens’ privacy and security," said Pompeo at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the Fiscal Year 2021 State Department Budget request.
Pompeo had earlier called for a global compact, arguing US policy of “bling engagement” with China had failed.
The top US diplomat was pressed repeatedly by both Republican and Democratic senators on China, more than on any other foreign issues, reflecting the urgency felt among American policymakers on the issue.
Pompeo told senators that the “incursion” against India and the “real-estate claim” against Bhutan and other conflicts around the world were indicative of Chinese intentions to expand their reach and to bring “socialism with Chinese characteristics” to the world.
The secretary of state listed some of the global developments that were the result of the American lead on international awakening against China; the growing ostracism of Chinese firms from the rollout of 5G networks, increasing rejection of Chinese claims in the disputed South China Sea, and the condemnation of the new laws in Hong Kong.
“We’re proud to have stepped up maritime manoeuvers in that body of water (the South China Sea) alongside friends like Australia, India, Japan, and the UK,” Pompeo said in his full and prepared remarks.
Pompeo said the US, Australia, India, and Japan have “reinvigorated the Quad” as part of an effort to confront China through multilateral bodies.
