Jan 20 Why the U.S. accused China of genocide, and what’s next By Associated Press Xinjiang, a far western region that borders central Asia, is home to the predominantly Muslim Uighur ethnic group. China denies human rights violations and says its actions in Xinjiang are necessary to counter a separatist and terrorist threat. Continue reading
Jan 19 Pompeo says China’s policies on Muslims and ethnic minorities amount to ‘genocide’ By Matthew Lee, Associated Press Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lashed out anew at China on Tuesday by declaring that its policies on Muslims and ethnic minorities in the western Xinjiang region constitute "crimes against humanity" and a "genocide."… Continue reading
Jan 15 Biden team says recent Trump foreign policy moves ‘feel like sabotage’ By Nick Schifrin Up until now, Biden transition officials had shied away from publicly criticizing recent policy changes, but in an exclusive conversation with the PBS NewsHour, a transition official detailed a number of issues with the outgoing administration’s approach, singling out Secretary… Continue reading
Jan 14 Watch 6:53 Trump’s last-minute policy moves could have deep, long-lasting impacts As the days dwindle in the Trump administration, they are still issuing rules and regulations, sanctions and designations that could have impacts both abroad and at home, beyond the end of the administration. William Brangham and Nick Schifrin discuss Trump's… Continue watching
Jan 14 U.S. imposes new sanctions on Beijing over South China Sea violations By Matthew Lee, Associated Press The penalties are yet another Trump administration move that may make President-elect Joe Biden's diplomacy with China more difficult when he takes office next week. Continue reading
Jan 11 Pompeo defends Trump, foreign policy in speech to VOA By Matthew Lee, Associated Press Less than a week after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol to try to subvert the results of an election, Pompeo told staff at the Voice of America that America retains the credibility to defend democratic values abroad. Continue reading
Jan 11 Pompeo to designate Yemen’s Houthi rebels as terrorist group By Matthew Lee, Associated Press Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced he will designate Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels as a “foreign terrorist organization" as time runs down on the Trump administration. Continue reading
Dec 24 U.S. says it will open a consulate in disputed Western Sahara By Matthew Lee, Associated Press Trump announced on December 10 that the U.S. would recognize Morocco's claim to Western Sahara as part of a deal for the North African country to normalize relations with Israel. Continue reading
Dec 16 Watch 6:08 News Wrap: U.S. negotiates with Pfizer to secure more coronavirus vaccine doses In our news wrap Wednesday, Trump administration officials confirmed they are negotiating to buy more of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo self-quarantines after coming in contact with the virus, President-elect Biden formally introduced Pete Buttigieg as his… Continue watching
Dec 10 Watchdog clears Pompeo’s wife of travel ethics charges By Matthew Lee, Associated Press But it also determined that the State Department did not secure proper written approval or documentation for six of Susan Pompeo's eight trips covered by the investigation. Continue reading