Xi Jinping is a bigger threat to the world than Vladimir Putin, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has claimed.
The politician, who served as Secretary of State during Donald Trump's presidency, claims that the Chinese leader is intent on world domination and presents more concern to the West than the Russian tyrant.
Pompeo told Sky News: "He wants to own you.
"He wants hegemonic intent across the world with his Marxist-Leninist vision, and Chinese economic and political dominance in every corner of the world.
"That is his vicious objective. We have an obligation to the next generation to push back against it."
Asked if Xi is more dangerous than Putin, Pompeo was unequivocal in his response.
He said: "Absolutely. (It's) not even close.
"Vladimir Putin has a very capable nuclear programme, and an economy that is dependent on a single industry. And if we produce energy in America, that industry. And if we produce energy in America, that industry would be a lot less valuable to him."
Pompeo continued: "Xi Jinping is a different creature.
"The globe is dependent on him economically, he has 1.4 billion people.
"He has an economy that rivals the size of that of the United States of America, a highly capable space and military and cyber programme. And that's the capabilities. And we have now also seen his intention."
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