As tensions escalate between the United States and China over accountability for the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House has launched a fresh attack while touting its growing partnerships with South Korea and other allies to counter the damaging effects of China's rising influence in the world.
According to the White House on Thursday, a new government report called the "United States Strategic Approach to the People's Republic of China" was submitted to Congress this week by President Donald Trump.
The report outlines the Trump administration's efforts to protect U.S. national interests in the face of economic and security challenges posed by China.
It also criticized China's military buildup, disinformation campaigns and human rights violations.
In regards to South Korea, it said the U.S. is working in concert with mutually aligned visions and approaches such the New Southern Policy, which refers to President Moon Jae-in's focus on deepening ties with Southeast Asian nations.
The report also accused Beijing of using its economic clout to extract political concessions from other countries, including South Korea, in apparent reference to China's economic retaliation for South Korea's hosting of a U.S. missile defense system.
Before the White House released its report, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters, "The media's focus on the current pandemic risks missing the bigger picture of the challenge that's presented by the Chinese Communist Party."
His remarks expand on the rhetoric Trump has been pushing in recent weeks, which some observers say aims to resonate with American voters who are angry at China and its handling of the COVID-19 outbreak.
<Photo: Yonhap News>
