Sky News has been told by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that he believes China’s President Xi poses a greater threat than Vladimir Putin.
On Beth Rigby Interviews Mr Pompeo stated that President Xi wants to be the world’s dominant leader.
The US politician said, “He wants you to own him.”
“He seeks hegemonic intent throughout the world with his Marxist–Leninist vision, as well as Chinese economic and political dominance at every corner of the globe.
“That is his evil objective. The next generation has an obligation to oppose it.
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When asked if the Chinese leader was more dangerous than his Russian counterpart, Mr Pompeo responded: “Absolutely. [It’s] Not even close.
“Vladimir Putin’s nuclear program is very strong, and his economy is dependent on one industry.” He said that if America produces energy, this industry would be much less valuable.
“Xi Jinping” is a completely different creature.
He has 1.4 billion people, and the globe is dependent upon him economically.
“He has an economic that rivals that of the United States of America and a highly capable cyber, space, and military program. These are his capabilities. We have also now seen his intent.”
Pompeo stated that, while Putin believes in greater Russia, he does not have any illusions about his ability to rule the world.
He said that Xi Jinping believed this was not folderol. He is certain he will dominate the world.
“Those are two fundamentally distinct risks for our lives in Europe, the United States, Asia, the Middle East and everywhere else.”
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Between 2018 and 2021, Mr Pompeo was secretary of state under Donald Trump and director of the CIA prior to that.
He recalled a meeting with Putin, in which he “looked into his eyes” to see evil.
“Make no mistake, he is a bad guy.”
The weakness of Biden ‘allowed war to occur in Ukraine’
After attacking Mr Trump’s predecessors Mr Pompeo accused President Biden and his team of being weak, and “allowing war to occur”.
“What has changed over the past decade?” Obama gives Putin permission to take Crimea in 2014. This is one fifth of Ukraine. This war began almost exactly one year ago, on February 24, 2014. It began in 2014. For four years, Putin has not invaded Europe. He doesn’t need another inch. Then, he leaves office and starts all over again. It’s not a coincidence, I believe.”
Pompeo dismissed the suggestion that President Biden is leading the West’s response to the Ukraine invasion. He also criticised the way countries responded to the conflict.
“The West has been slow and late and afraid of escalation. That’s a mistake. We should try to correct that problem today. We must provide the necessary resources and place Ukraine and the West in a position where Vladimir Putin can see the handwriting on that wall. This is how to restore deterrence.
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When asked what a negotiated diplomatic solution for the war would look like, he replied: “It would start with the following. The United States and, most importantly, Europe providing the tools necessary for Ukraine to defend and fight for their sovereignty.
“To place President Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian people, in a position where President Putin would negotiate from weakness. They will need to find a solution.
Beth Rigby was told by a US official that Mike Pompeo couldn’t prove that Putin would have invaded Ukraine if he had been in the White House. We know that Trump’s foreign policy approach eroded the trust of allies. President Biden has restored that trust.
According to the official, “President Biden has demonstrated significant and sustained leadership in Ukraine and used steady and deliberate pace to bring allies aboard. Germany has moved from supplying helmets and tanks to Leopard tanks. That’s quite a shift. Joe Biden keeps the allies together.
