Efforts to build a foundation in US-China relations have not yet been successful, and the coming months will determine whether it is possible to restore constructive diplomacy with Beijing. This was stated by Curt Campbell, coordinator of Indo-Pacific affairs at the US National Security Council, Reuters reports.
He emphasized the need to Cold War hotlines and other crisis mechanisms.
His remarks come at a time of heightened tensions with China over Taiwan’s president’s visit to the US.
Campbell pointed out that Washington has made it clear to Beijing that it is ready for a new conversation between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
“We are also prepared from our point of view andwe want to keep the lines of communication open”he noted.
China has accused the US of stalling its development
This is the first of its kind such a sharp and coordinated position
Last month, after a US fighter jet shot down an alleged Chinese spy balloon, Biden said he planned to talk to Xi about the case and “calm down passions”, but that has yet to happen and tensions have only grown since then.
Campbell noted that the Chinese have shown reluctance to engage in discussions about hotlines, confidence-building communications or crisis situations. He said it would be a “responsible step” to have such mechanisms, given that Chinese and American military forces operate in close proximity to each other.
“We created them during the Cold War. We think they’re still relevant now.”he added.
According to Campbell, the US is in the early stages of a new phase of competitive relations with China.
He acknowledged that in many ways, US efforts to appear to be a foundation for bilateral relations have not yet been successful.
I think it will become clear in the coming months whether it will be possible to restore effective, predictable, constructive diplomacy between the United States and ChinaCampbell added.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in New York on Wednesday en route to Central America. On her way back to Taipei next week, she will visit Los Angeles, where she is expected to meet with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy – a meeting that China has warned could lead to a “serious confrontation” in relations between the US and China.
The visit comes at a time when US relations with China are – according to some analysts – at their worst level since Washington normalized ties with Beijing in 1979.
Campbell stated that The United States is increasing its focus on the Indo-Pacific region despite the war in Ukraine and this will be seen in the country’s budget and commitments.
He pointed to India, which is due to take part in another summit of the Visegrad Four countries in Australia in May, and stressed that in his view its relationship with the United States is the most important for the 21st century.
Campbell said Washington wants to see more Indian students in American universities and more Americans in Indian colleges.
He also added that United States has ‘ambitious agenda’ for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum summit (ATIS), which they will host in November, and Biden will take steps regarding the determination of the US to have not only a diplomatic and political role in the region and one in the field of defense, “but also a vital economic and trade role” .
Taiwan’s president has arrived in the US despite China
She expressed her determination not to let outside pressure get in the way
