It came after Mr Pompeo concluded his visit to Asia in Vietnam on Friday. During his tour, the US Secretary of State called for help from Asian countries in confronting what he called the China security threat.

In Vietnam, Mr Pompeo said: “We look forward to continuing to work together to build on our relationship and to make the region — throughout Southeast Asia, Asia and the Indo-Pacific — safe and peaceful and prosperous.”

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said he sought “sincere cooperation” in support of a peaceful region and to boost trade and investment relations.

Following Mr Pompeo’s last-minute visit to Vietnam, the Chinese Communist Party’s newspaper The Global Times branded him as a “bully” who “attacked China” during his Asia tour.

The editorial read: “Pompeo is a typical spoiler, and what Asia needs now is construction.

“There are disputes across Asia, but there is no reason to let any dispute dominate the region.

“Pompeo wants himself to be the reason. He has become poison in the area. Normally, no one wants to drink poison.

“Pompeo has come and left, and these Asian countries will carefully put the memory of him as poison in the corner of the house.”

Mr Pompeo also visited Sri Lanka, India, the Maldives and Indonesia during his Asia tour.

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The Global Times wrote: “At joint press conferences, he often tried to create the impression that these countries share the US’ attitude on China.

“However, people have noticed the difference between Pompeo’s statements and those of the host countries, and how these countries tried to clarify their position during or after Pompeo’s speeches.”

The Chinese Communist Party’s newspaper also claimed that “many regard Pompeo’s tour as his farewell trip”.

It added: “If the Republican party loses the upcoming presidential election, then many things Pompeo negotiated or signed during his trip will have to be reassessed.

“Even if Donald Trump is re-elected, Pompeo is also likely to be replaced.”

The main issue in Vietnam is China’s claims over the South China Sea.

China has claimed a large part of the waters as its own which has sparked territorial disputes with several nearby countries.

Chinese and Vietnamese ships have in recent years been engaged in months-long standoffs in the disputed region.

In a tweet published on Friday, Mr Pompeo said he had discussed the South China Sea and Mekong region with Vietnam’s public security minister.

He wrote: “Productive meeting today with Vietnamese Public Security Minister To Lam to discuss regional security cooperation in the South China Sea and Mekong regions. Together, we are elevating the US-Vietnam security partnership.”