China says Pompeo's US stocks are wrong

BEIJING – The recent actions of the Trump government against China have "directly affected our mutual trust and cast a shadow over our bilateral relations," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday. describing the sudden deterioration of the relationship in a surprisingly un-diplomatic way.

Pompeo began a whirlwind tour of Asia focused primarily on the North Korean nuclear program, but upon his arrival in Beijing, the agenda quickly revolved around the nascent acrimony between the two largest economies of the world. world, triggered by President Trump's trade war and fueled by his allegations. that the Chinese government gets involved in mid-term elections next month.

"We urge the United States to put an end to such misguided activities," said Wang to Pompeo at the beginning of a meeting, citing "escalation" of trade frictions, the actions at the 39th. with regard to Taiwan and "criticizing China's domestic and foreign policies".

"We think we need to keep our relationship on track," said Wang, with a severe face, to his American counterpart.

Pompeo responded by saying that Washington and Beijing were grappling with a "fundamental disagreement" in which he hoped to advance the resolution. He lamented Beijing's recent decision not to participate in the strategic dialogue between the two countries' defense secretaries scheduled for the middle of the month, saying the forum was an "important opportunity" for discussion.

Before the journalists leave the room, Pompeo focused on what the two parties agreed on: the importance of denuclearization of North Korea.

Two of the five people on the US side of the meeting table discussed North Korea – the new special representative for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, and National Security Council adviser, Allison Hooker – reflecting the desired attention of Pompeo.

[Secretary of State Pompeo reassures Japan on the way to meet Kim in North Korea]

Relations between Beijing and Washington have deteriorated sharply over the last month, as the trade war between the two countries has caused tariff cuts on a wide range of products from each other, and both sides have promised to stand up. their land.

This trade war has spilled over into other regions.

Hong Kong's so-called self-governing Chinese territory last month refused a visit to the US Navy port and a Chinese admiral canceled a scheduled visit to the United States. Last week, China withdrew from a meeting of defense at the highest level.

At the same time, Trump accused Beijing of intervening mid-term by publishing a four-page editorial style supplement in the Monks 'register, attempting to take advantage of Iowa farmers' frustration over tariffs. .

China has responded with anger, implying that it is the United States that has already interfered in the affairs of other countries.

Then, in a speech last week, Vice President Pence issued an important indictment against the methods used to allow China to become a major economic power, saying in an extremely critical speech that Beijing had sought to undermine the interests of the United States around the world.

Expressing in front of the Hudson Institute, conservative, Pence accused China of using trade, diplomatic overtures and military expansion to expand its influence. He also called on US business leaders, academics and journalists to oppose the Beijing campaign.

Trump "will not back down" the challenge, said Pence. He added that China "wants a different US president" and that the nation "immerses in American democracy" before the mid-term elections, he said.

The speech still ignited the tensions.

"For the Chinese people, kindness and hate are clearly distinguished," said Zhu Feng, dean of the School of International Relations of Nanjing University, in an article in the Guangming Daily newspaper on Monday. "The modernization of China is not a gift from the United States." States. "

"We will not forget the help and support of America to China in modern and contemporary history, but Mr. Pence can not be" superior "for having already helped China, "said Zhu. "We must also clarify the facts about the history of China and the United States. reports."

In the same article, Chen Dingding of Jinan University in Guangzhou said that China had developed at its own pace to become the economic giant that it is today. "Today, it is time for the United States to accept a different and powerful China, as uncomfortable as it is for the United States," he said.

[[[[Pence said China was trying to undermine Trump because she "wants another US president" ]

Earlier, while still in Seoul, the Pompeo delegation stated that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had invited inspectors to visit the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, which was destroyed earlier this year, a sign of Pyongyang's commitment to the diplomatic process.

The inspectors were asked to "confirm that it was irreversibly dismantled," said a state department spokeswoman, Heather Nauert, in a statement. North Korea had previously engaged in this direction, but objected to allowing international inspectors to visit sites that it said had been dismantled.

However, she made no mention of the Yongbyon nuclear facility, the site where North Korea manufactures the fissile material used in its bombs.

Nevertheless, analysts said it would be a welcome development.

"Enabling inspectors in Punggye-ri would be an important test of North Korea's willingness to audit its facilities," said Adam Mount, a researcher with the Federation of American Scientists.

Pompeo said he had "productive talks" with Kim in Pyongyang on Sunday, with the two men agreeing to hold a summit between Kim and Trump as soon as possible.

Pompeo and Kim met for about two hours, then had lunch together for an hour and a half. South Korea later said the two men had agreed to a second Kim-Trump summit "as soon as possible".

"It's a pleasure to see you again," Pompeo told Kim as the two men shook hands in front of the cameras before lunch. The secretary of state then laid a hand on Kim's shoulder, who smiled.

"Well, I'm really excited about this opportunity. After a good meeting, we can have a meal together, "said Kim.

Kim said, "It's a great day that promises a bright future for both countries."

Pompeo said he had had a "good visit" and a "very successful morning", adding that Trump had sent him his greetings. Both men spoke through interpreters.

Denyer brought back from Tokyo. Yang Liu in Beijing and John Hudson in Washington contributed to the report.

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Pompeo, Kim Jong Un agrees to hold the 2nd summit with Trump as soon as possible

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