China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office labeled U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as a "mantis bug."
According to Agence France-Presse, the Chinese description came on Monday in response to the sanctions imposed by Washington on Chinese individuals due to events in Hong Kong. The office commented on Pompeo's statements by saying, "People like Pompeo are nothing but ridiculous mantis bugs trying in vain to stop the wheel of history." The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office affirmed that Hong Kong's development from chaos to stability cannot be halted.
The office condemned the U.S. sanctions, deeming them a political stunt after exhausting all other tricks, and urged Pompeo to "stop the show," referring to his anticipated departure from the State Department.
It is noteworthy that the Chinese analogy originates from an old Chinese proverb, describing the futility of a mantis trying to stop a chariot with its legs.
In recent days, Pompeo announced several measures targeting Beijing as he nears the end of his administration, including new sanctions affecting six officials, among them the sole representative of Hong Kong in China's largest legislative body, in response to the recent arrests of 55 pro-democracy activists under the national security law.
For its part, the Hong Kong government condemned the sanctions last Saturday, describing them as "shocking," "rude," and "despicable."
China indicated that U.S. officials involved in "abhorrent" behaviors regarding Taiwan would face sanctions, particularly after Washington lifted restrictions on communication between U.S. and Taiwanese officials.
It is important to note that China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory, making it the most significant and sensitive issue in its relations with the United States. China has previously announced sanctions on American companies that sold arms to Taiwan, but it did not clarify how these sanctions would be implemented or whether they had been activated.
In response to increased U.S. support for Taiwan, which includes arms sales and visits by senior U.S. officials to the island, China has ramped up military activity near Taiwan, including flying Chinese Air Force aircraft in the vicinity.
