On Wednesday, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell stated that the United States believes China’s current main focus is on the economy and is determined to work towards stabilizing its bilateral relationship with the United States.
According to Reuters, Campbell told the Stimson Center in Washington that the Chinese authorities need to assure investors and others that they have long-term economic plans and will not seek to create friction, as friction could escalate in unpredictable and dangerous ways.
Campbell, in discussing dialogue with the Chinese authorities, expressed hope that both the US and China could reach an agreement on maintaining global economic stability, but he called it “one of the most difficult challenges in US diplomatic history.”
Following a downturn in US-China relations to their lowest point in decades, the two countries have begun reengaging in high-level diplomacy, but serious friction remains, including Chinese support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and Beijing’s ambitions towards Taiwan. During a call between Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in April, Xi was warned not to interfere in the US presidential elections in November.
During their visits to China in April, US Treasury Secretary Yellen and Secretary of State Blinken both directly warned top Chinese officials to urge China to stop supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Earlier last month, the US government sanctioned nearly 300 companies and individuals, including over 20 companies based in China and Hong Kong, to sanction Russia.
After his meeting with Xi Jinping during a visit to China in May, Putin released a statement condemning the US for deploying missile weapons in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe, directly threatening the security of Russia and China; Moscow and Beijing pledged to deepen military cooperation.
Blinken’s two visits to China during his tenure emphasized US concerns regarding Russia and the Taiwan Strait issue to Chinese authorities.
Campbell said, “China (CCP) finds it difficult to take certain measures without damaging its own economy.” He believes that the economy is “vital” to Xi Jinping.
However, the communist ideology that China holds in opposition to Western societies is bound to constantly take radical stances and actions in international affairs, leading to trade sanctions, reduced foreign investment, and other economic repercussions.
Bradley Thayer, director of China policy at the Center for Security Policy, stated in an interview with “American Thought Leaders” in May that the main cause of friction in US-China relations is the ideological conflict.
Furthermore, Campbell expressed concern about China’s strengthening relations with North Korea and Russia, while Washington worries that there will be ongoing weapon trades between Russia and Pyongyang.
He said, “What will Russia provide to North Korea in return? Hard currency? Energy? Or the ability to enhance its nuclear or missile product capabilities? We don’t know, but we are concerned about it.”
Campbell stated that the US has had no contact with North Korea for many years and it is hard to imagine when it can be restored.
He mentioned that the upcoming NATO summit next month will have a “comprehensive” discussion on China and North Korea’s support for Russia in the Ukraine issue, but he emphasized that the Western alliance led by the US will not undertake new missions in the Indo-Pacific region.