US’ Mike Pompeo urges Britain to develop new approach to China after Huawei ban and suspension of Hong Kong extradition treaty
- US secretary of state says visit to London has been ‘constructive’ after meeting Prime Minister Boris Johnson to discuss Hong Kong and Xinjiang
- Pompeo was later due to meet Hong Kong activist Nathan Law as the fallout from the national security law continued
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged Britain to work with America to develop a new policy towards China as Beijing threatened retaliation over Britain’s response to the new national security law in Hong Kong.
Pompeo said he had had a “constructive visit” to London on Tuesday after meeting Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
He was also due to meet the self-exiled Hong Kong student activist Nathan Law Kwun-chung at the US ambassador’s residence in Regent’s Park.
“Social distance does not imply diplomatic or political distance,” Johnson joked as he walked Pompeo into his office in Downing Street.
Following the talks, Pompeo said: “Our two countries’ long-standing, strong bilateral relationship has laid the foundation for today’s candid discussion on issues ranging from 5G telecommunication to our negotiations for a US-UK free trade agreement,” he tweeted.