Chinese Leader Xi Jinping Thinks US State, Local Officials Are 'Weak Links': Pompeo

Chinese leader Xi Jinping believes sub-national-level officials are a "weak link" that can be exploited to advance the regime's interests in the United States, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sept. 23. In a speech at the Wisconsin state capitol, Pompeo urged U.S. politicians from state to municipal level to be alert to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) "influence and espionage activities." "Know that when you are approached by a Chinese diplomat, it is likely not in the spirit of cooperation or friendship," Pompeo said.