China sanctions former US secretary of state for hatred

The Chinese government has announced sanctions against former secretary of the US Mike Pompeo and 27 other high-ranking officials under former United States President Donald Trump, accusing them of prejudice and hatred against China.

In a strongly-worded statement published after US president Joe Biden was sworn into office, the Chinese foreign ministry said the former Trump administration officials were anti-China politicians thus undermining the relationship between the US and China.

China’s move underscores the fractious and oftentimes hostile relationship between Washington and Beijing during Trump’s time in office.

Many of the 28 former officials sanctioned by Beijing were considered to be influential in helping to steer the Trump administration’s more confrontational china policy, which saw clashes with Beijing on issues relating to trade, technology, regional security and human rights.