US official says China is 'top challenge', enlists European support

Mr. Campbell was a key "architect" for 15 years pushing the US to reorient its policy towards Asia.

AFP on September 19 quoted US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell as saying that China is the top challenge in the entire history of the US, and at the same time called on Europe to be tougher with Beijing.

Mr. Campbell (67 years old), a key "architect" for 15 years pushing the US to reorient its policy towards Asia, also called for the US to invest more in modern technology to better compete with China.

“There is a recognition that this is the most significant challenge in our history,” he told the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

"Frankly, the Cold War is nothing compared to the multifaceted challenges that China poses. It is not just a military challenge, it is a challenge across the board, in the global south, in technology. We need to step up on all fronts," he urged.

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President Joe Biden’s administration has pressed China over technology exports to Russia, which Washington officials say are helping Moscow boost military production for its war in Ukraine. China has denied the accusations.

Mr Campbell said there needed to be more support for US sanctions on Chinese companies, an issue he said he had raised during visits to Europe.

The diplomat said most European allies shared concerns about the relationship between Beijing and Moscow, but were still reeling from the “huge shock” of cutting energy imports from Russia.

“For many of these countries, doing business with China has been a big issue for 15 or 20 years,” he said.

China did not immediately respond to the comments. Campbell's tough remarks came despite tensions between the US and China easing under President Biden.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have advocated dialogue with China even as their administration continues to take tough measures, including a comprehensive ban on the export of advanced chips.

Since last year's summit between President Biden and ChinesePresident Xi Jinping in California, Beijing has agreed to key US demands for the restoration of military communications.

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Mr. Campbell said that President Biden's administration has strengthened America's position since taking over from Mr. Trump, in part by strengthening alliances.

“Four years ago, the general view globally was that China was eating our lunch, that they were going to overtake us economically and in trade, that we were in the midst of some kind of rapid recession. I don’t think that’s the general view today,” Campbell said.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/quan-chuc-my-noi-trung-quoc-la-thach-thuc-hang-dau-loi-keo-chau-au-ung-ho-185240919073343242.htm