Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo referred to remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron as “vexing” since they raised some concerns about Taiwan’s defenses against a potential invasion by China.
Pompeo stated that Americans should be aware that not all Europeans share Macron’s viewpoints on talk radio host John Catsimatidis’ “Cats & Cosby Show” on WABC 770 AM.
“Macron simply erred. He mishandled it. For his own people, he botched it, Pompeo said. And we ought to let him know that what he’s doing is unacceptable.
“The question we as Europeans have to answer is: Is it in our interest to accelerate (a crisis) on,” Macron was quoted as saying in an interview with a French publication that was published on Sunday.
Pompeo said the comments were “infuriating” for any American who has served in Afghanistan and for those who have warned Europeans to beef up their defenses to protect themselves from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Europe has a real responsibility to be a global leader,” he said. “They are prosperous nations, and if they don’t, there is a real danger that France will fall out of the circle of nations that care about basic human rights and dignity — the things that matter to every American.”
The French President’s comments came after he visited China and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Macron urged Xi to urge peace between Russia and Ukraine during the meeting.
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China regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification, while the United States recognizes China as the legitimate government and Taiwan’s status as unclear.
The Taiwan Relations Act requires the US to send arms to Taiwan to help defend it, but does not necessarily oblige the US to defend Taiwan directly if China invades.
