Mike Pompeo warns of Chinese, Russian influence as he begins central Europe tour
- Russia and China are eyeing bigger roles across the continent in the energy, infrastructure and telecommunications sectors, a trend the US wants to reverse
- In his talks, Pompeo is likely to face questions about the Trump administration’s decision to reduce the US military presence in Germany
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned on Tuesday of a rise in authoritarianism led by Russia, China and Iran that threatens freedoms around the world.
Opening a four-nation tour of eastern and central Europe in the Czech Republic, Pompeo paid tribute to American forces that liberated western Czechoslovakia in 1945 and lauded values shared by Americans and Czechs.
Visiting the “Thank You, America” monument in the city of Pilsen, Pompeo urged continued vigilance to protect democratic gains made after World War II and then again after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Pompeo did not, however, mention unrest and concerns about significant democratic backsliding in nearby Belarus after elections there on Sunday.
“It is worth remembering, even as we celebrate, that because authoritarianism is still alive in Beijing, in Moscow and in Tehran there remains work to do,” he said in a brief speech at the monument before observing a wreath laying with the Czech foreign minister.
Earlier, Pompeo visited the Patton Museum in Pilsen, which commemorates the Army general’s World War II leadership.
Pompeo plans to use his visit, which continues on Wednesday, to push his hosts to counter Russian and Chinese influence. Russia and China are active and seeking greater roles throughout the continent in the energy, infrastructure and telecommunications sectors, a trend the United States is keen to reverse.