Global Times, Chinese propaganda machinery fired back at Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, calling him a “degenerate politician” who brings “shame to the evangelical church,” responding to Pompeo’s claims that the deadly coronavirus might have originated from a Wuhan Lab.

On Tuesday, the Chinese media declared that the US Secretary had been spreading false information about the deadly coronavirus. The Global Times wrote: “It is generally believed that Pompeo is a devout evangelical Christian…his lying for political purposes is contrary to his label as a so-called “devout Christian.” The media outlet added, “It is widely known that Christian doctrine opposes lying–it’s a sin.” Finally, the Times warned Pompeo, “A false witness shall not go unpunished. And he that utters lies shall perish.”

In the said article, the Chinese media outlet tried to shift the blame on the true origin of the coronavirus. The Global Times claimed that “some” Chinese, as well as Japanese, and American citizens, have already “suspected” that the virus originated from the US. The article cited that it might have come from the seasonal flu since the first few cases of coronavirus happened late last year.

Moreover, the media outlet wrote that the pneumonia cases which were caused by vaping e-cigarettes might have been COVID-19 infections, although the Global Times failed to cite any sources that might back up their claim. It also continued to deny Pompeo’s accusation that the communist government failed to immediately disclose crucial information about the virus.

The media outlet wrote that given Pompeo’s background in the intelligence community, he should have known the serious “anti-epidemic measures” that the government had implemented on Wuhan. Moreover, the media outlet believed that the US and other European countries had made far “worse serious mistakes” than China did.

Finally, the media outlet claimed that “Lies are usually driven by interests,” adding that the US Secretary of State can “kill two birds with one stone” by spreading misinformation. First, the media outlet wrote that it could help beef up President Trump’s re-election bid, by shifting the anger and blame towards the communist country. The second reason was more personal, as the Global Times declared that Pompeo hated to see the communist country rise into power, and have launched a campaign to destroy the country’s image.

The article came as a response to when the US State Secretary claimed that there was “enormous evidence,” which suggests that the Wuhan Institute of Virology had something to do with the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. During the interview, Pompeo cited China’s refusal to learn from the previous outbreaks, as well as its “history” of substandard laboratories.

Contrary to the Chinese media claims that the US Secretary showed “unchristian beliefs,” China itself was not a role model in terms of religious tolerance either. In fact, the communist regime had continued to persecute Catholic and Protestant Churches. It had also mandated that all crosses must be removed from state-run churches.