Chinese media lambasts Mike Pompeo after he lifts sanctions against Taiwan

Chinese state media has lambasted latest move on Taiwan by departing Trump administration, accusing State Secretary Mike Pompeo of “seeking to maliciously inflict a long-lasting scar on China-U.S. ties.” On January 9, Pompeo said that he was lifting unilateral restrictions on contacts between American officials and ir Taiwanese counterparts, ending what he termed as America’s effort to “appease” communist regime. Taiwan has often been a subject of clash between US and China, with Washington blatantly opposing Beijing’s claim over island.

In a commentary published by state-owned Xinhua news ncy, a writer opined that lifting of longstanding restrictions on American contacts with Taiwanese counterparts proves that Pompeo “is only interested in stoking unwarranted confrontations, and has interest in world peace.” Meanwhile, ar commentary posted online by CGTN, English-langu channel of state broadcaster CCTV, called Pompeo’s anuncement “a cowardly act of sabot” of next US administration. next administration is scheduled to swear in on January 20.

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Pompeo lifts sanctions

On January 9, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that he was lifting restrictions on contacts between American officials and ir Taiwanese counterparts. In a statement, top diplomat asserted that for several decades, US had created “complex internal restrictions” in a bid to “appease” communist regime. However, in his last days in office, Pompeo reiterated incumbent administrations resolve to stricken its policies against China lifting all unilateral sanctions. 

Pompeo has been a staunch critic of Chinese regime and many times voiced his opposition to Chinese policies. Earlier last year, he had supported President Donald Trump in labelling coronavirus as ‘China virus’. More recently, he had threatened sanctions on Jingpin administration if it continues to arrest pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. " more," Pompeo declared in a statement. "Today I am anuncing that I am lifting all of se self-imposed restrictions."

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China has long been stepping up its threats to bring self-governing island under its control by military force with frequent war games and aerial patrols. It has been using its diplomatic clout to stop Taiwan from joining any organisations that require statehood for membership. It anunced on Thursday that UN Ambassador Kelly Craft would go to Taiwan, a move that sparked sharp criticism from Beijing and a warning that US would pay a heavy price. 

(with inputs from AP)

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