'Asia Tsar' Campbell, US Coordinator: "China Brings Diplomatic Troubles on Itself"

Urging Expansion of Allied Cooperation on South China Sea and Taiwan Issues

Kurt Campbell, U.S. White House National Security Council Indo-Pacific Coordinator Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Kurt Campbell, the White House National Security Council Indo-Pacific Coordinator, known as the 'Asia Czars' within the U.S. administration, criticized China for provoking diplomatic disputes on its own amid U.S.-China tensions.

According to Bloomberg on the 8th (local time), Coordinator Campbell said at an online event hosted by the think tank Center for a New American Security (CNAS), "The recent problems China faces were not created by the U.S. but by China itself."

Campbell cited a series of disputed areas where U.S.-China tensions are escalating, such as the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, arguing that China's diplomatic policies have caused resentment toward China in the international community.

He added, "It is questionable whether these issues have been discussed by China's core leadership," pointing out, "Unlike the past collective leadership system, President Xi Jinping is increasingly acting as a sole leader, and the number of people involved in decision-making is decreasing."

Regarding maintaining peace in disputed areas such as the Taiwan Strait, he emphasized expanding participation and strengthening alliances with regional allies, including Japan.

Campbell said, "The U.S. does not force regional allies or partners to choose between the U.S. and China," adding, "We only want all regional countries to support an operational system based on norms and values such as freedom of navigation."

He also expressed hope that Pacific region allies such as Japan, Australia, and New Zealand would cooperate closely toward common goals.

Regarding the U.S.-led four-nation security consultative group Quad, he said, "Ahead of the expected summit at the end of this year, we are focusing on deepening cooperation among the four countries," but also noted, "Other countries are showing interest in joining the Quad, and the Quad is not an exclusive structure," leaving room for membership expansion.

On the visit of U.S. senators to Taiwan, he said, "The U.S. will continue to provide defensive equipment to Taiwan," but added, "Taiwan must also take steps to strengthen its defense system."

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen Meeting with U.S. Senators
Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, on the 6th, three U.S. senators visited Taiwan as a Senate delegation via a U.S. military transport plane. They met with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to discuss security and COVID-19 vaccine support issues.

Meanwhile, regarding the Myanmar situation, Coordinator Campbell stated, "The situation continues to deteriorate," and that all possible scenarios in Myanmar are being reviewed.

When asked about the possibility of Myanmar's state collapse, he said, "The situation is concerning. We believe we are looking at all scenarios."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.