Mike Pompeo slams China over its developments in Hong Kong and Ecuador

Amid soaring US-China tensions, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo targetted Asian superpower on August 2 and said that America is “gravely concerned” by situation in Hong Kong. Pompeo t only ted recent arrests of students in former British colony but also mentioned China’s “illegal” fishing in Ecuor. relations between both superpowers remain at an all-time low over an array of issues from responding to coronavirus outbreak to China’s territorial developments. According to Pompeo, China has consistently broken its ‘promise’ of Hong Kong’s freedom by its actions including barring of anti-government candidates from upcoming legislative elections. 

Meanwhile, according to reports, Chinese boats are fishing between protected islands and Ecuorian coast leing to endangering of local marine life. US Secretary of State took this also into tice and lashed out on Asian superpower for “rule-breaking” and “willful” environmental degration of oceans. Pompeo reaffirmed US’ stance of supporting Ecuor and called on China to halt its movements of “unregulated” and “illegal” fishing. Reports have stated that China’s fishing boats are threatening one of most vulnerable ecosystems in Pacific Ocean in pursuit of aquatic animals, generating waste. 

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Pro-democracy candidates disqualified in Hong Kong

Mike Pompeo’s Twitter post came after at least 12 anti-government candidates in Hong Kong were disqualified from standing in upcoming legislative elections including Joshua Wong who h acquired highest vote share in primaries. Wong, who got more than 30,000 votes in primary, lashed out on China for showing ‘total disregard’ to will of Hong Kong residents by invalidating candidates wanted by majority.

Calling it ‘biggest-ever crackdowns’ on city’s election, former leer of 2014 Umbrella Movement said that Beijing disqualified pro-democracy candidates by citing ir disagreement with controversial national security law.

Earlier this week, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam anunced that elections have been postponed from September 6, 2020, to September 5, 2021, due to COVID-19 pandemic. As per reports, term of office of current parliament will expire on September 30. As date nears, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive sent an urgent report to central government for recommendations and guidance. 

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