US SECY OF STATE POMPEO SLAMS CHINA ON TRIP TO SRI LANKA, CALLS IT A PREDATOR

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo called China’s communist government a “predator” on Wednesday, during a trip to boost ties with Sri Lanka, which has received huge investment and diplomatic support from Beijing.

Pompeo made his latest attack on China after talks with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on security cooperation to keep open vital Indian Ocean sea lanes just south of Sri Lanka.

“A strong sovereign Sri Lanka is a powerful strategic partner for the United States on the world stage,” Pompeo told reporters as he wrapped up a 12-hour visit, the second stop on a four-nation tour.

Pompeo described how Washington has provided military training and recently gifted two coastguard vessels, contrasting its assistance with China.

“The Chinese Communist Party is a predator,” he declared.

The Chinese embassy in Colombo hit back, tweeting a promotional image for the “Aliens vs Predator” video game.

“Sorry Mr. Secretary Pompeo, we’re busy promoting China-Sri Lanka friendship and cooperation, not interested in your Alien v Predator game invitation,” it said. The embassy on Tuesday accused Pompeo of trying to “coerce and bully” Sri Lanka with his visit.

Sri Lanka’s foreign minister Dinesh Gunawardena made no reference to China, but at a press conference with his US counterpart, told reporters that the country maintains a non-aligned foreign policy.