WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. fears about China and Russia’s growing influence in Central Europe will top Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s (pahm-PAY’-ohz) agenda as he heads to the region.
American officials say Pompeo will raise those concerns in Hungary and Slovakia during visits there Monday and Tuesday. The officials say he’ll press leaders on the importance of countering efforts by China and Russia to pull the countries away from the West.
Pompeo is expected to cite issues related to Central Europe’s reliance on Russian energy and the presence of the Chinese high-tech firm Huawei (WAH’-way).
The officials weren’t authorized to publicly discuss Pompeo’s travel and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Pompeo leaves Sunday on a five-nation tour of Europe. He’s also stopping in Poland, Belgium and Iceland.
