China accuses US Sec of State of 'pure lies'

China's foreign ministry on Thursday lashed out at comments me by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as "pure lies" after Pompeo warned that China was aggressively attempting to influence state and local governments.

Pompeo me remarks on Wednesday in presidential battleground state of Wisconsin.

He warned that sister-city programs, including in Wisconsin, fall under a program that's part of Chinese government's "overseas propaganda." He called it "t so friendly to American interests."

"Pompeo's remarks, regardless of facts, are pure lies " said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. "China firmly opposes this."

Pompeo also cautioned lawmakers that when approached by a Chinese diplomat, "it is likely t in spirit of true cooperation or friendship."

He urged lawmakers to investigate who is paying for any trip to China y may be offered once COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted.

Asked about Pompeo's comments criticizing China's human rights record, Wang refuted claims, ting racial discrimination issues in US.