Pompeo may raise human rights issues during Sri Lanka talks

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is expected to raise human rights issues during his talks in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Indonesia, The Associated Press reported.

Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper will meet their Indian counterparts for strategic and security talks on Tuesday, after which Pompeo will travel on to Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Indonesia, said the news agency.

All of them are contending with a tug-of-war between Washington and Beijing that has intensified as President Donald Trump seeks to paint former Vice President Joe Biden as weak on China.

Pompeo has made no secret of the Trump administration’s desire to isolate China.

Asked about his trip, Pompeo said last week: “I’m sure that my meetings will also include discussions on how free nations can work together to thwart threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party.”

Tuesday’s meetings come amid a recent flareup in military tensions between India and China over disputed mountainous border with tens of thousands of their soldiers in a standoff since May.

Pompeo said on Twitter: “Wheels up for my trip to India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia. Grateful for the opportunity to connect with our partners to promote a shared vision for a free and open #IndoPacific composed of independent, strong, and prosperous nations.”

Pompeo will head back to Washington by way of Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Indonesia during which he plans to press each nation to push back in Chinese assertiveness, according to The Associated Press.