China Loomed Large Over Pompeo’s Africa Tour, Burying His Message About Enhanced U.S. Engagement

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo enters the plane before departing from the Addis Ababa Bole international Airport in Addis Ababa on February 19, 2020, as he travels to Saudi Arabia. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / POOL / AFP

U.S. Secretary of State really seemed like he made a conscientious effort to go out of his to avoid referencing China on his recent three-nation African tour that ended yesterday in Addis Ababa. For years, going all the way back to the days when Hillary Clinton was in that office, visiting Secretaries of State have made China-bashing a central theme of their African tours.

But this time was different.

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by Eric Olander

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