Mike Pompeo, the former secretary of state in the Trump administration, strongly criticized the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for its infiltration of American institutions and its role in the COVID-19 pandemic during a House select committee hearing on Tuesday. Pompeo, along with Leon Panetta, former secretary of defense in the Obama administration, testified before the House Select Committee on the CCP’s Support for America’s Adversaries.
Pompeo highlighted the CCP’s influence on social media platforms and its efforts to undermine American values and ideas among the younger generation. He emphasized that the CCP, led by Xi Jinping, unleashed a virus upon the world that resulted in the deaths of millions, including over a million in the United States. Pompeo criticized the lack of accountability for Xi Jinping and his decision to hide crucial data and information related to the virus.
During the hearing, Rep. Jim Banks raised concerns about the CCP’s attempts to engage with mayors and governors in the United States. Pompeo warned against getting entangled with the CCP and highlighted their efforts to make friends and propagate their influence at every level of government, including local communities. He urged caution in engaging with Sister Cities programs and Confucius Institutes, stating that these initiatives ultimately serve the CCP’s interests rather than benefiting the local communities.
Pompeo also addressed the bipartisan nature of the hearing, expressing disappointment at Rep. Jake Auchincloss’s remarks that praised Xi Jinping. He affirmed that Joe Biden was duly elected as the president of the United States and criticized the lack of clarity from Secretary Clinton about her own election.
Furthermore, Pompeo emphasized that the world was in a less conflict-ridden state three years ago and highlighted the Trump administration’s successful deterrence model in preventing various crises. He commended the administration’s provision of defense weapons systems to Ukraine, which the previous administration had failed to do. Pompeo and Panetta, both former CIA directors and good friends, also discussed the importance of maintaining strength and deterrence in dealing with China and Russia.
Pompeo closed his testimony by stressing the need to hold the CCP at risk and not solely play defense. He argued that the United States must demonstrate diplomatic excellence and military power to convince adversaries like Putin not to invade Ukraine. Pompeo expressed concern over the current defensive approach and emphasized the importance of the United States being on offense rather than defense.
In conclusion, Mike Pompeo’s testimony before the House select committee shed light on the CCP’s infiltration of American institutions and held Xi Jinping accountable for the COVID-19 pandemic. His remarks underscored the need for vigilance in dealing with the CCP’s influence, both domestically and internationally, and the importance of maintaining a strong and proactive stance in foreign policy.
