In a stark warning, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell has declared China the most significant challenge ever faced by the United States, surpassing even the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Campbell, appearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated, “There is a recognition that this is the most significant challenge in our history. Frankly, the Cold War pales in comparison to the multifaceted challenges that China presents.”
Campbell emphasizes that the challenge posed by China is not limited to the military sphere. It extends across all domains, including the Global South, technology, and economics. “It’s not just a military challenge; it’s across the board. It is in the Global South. It is in technology. We need to step up our game across the board,” he declared. Campbell’s statement reflects the significant shift in US foreign policy towards Asia over the past 15 years, largely driven by the need to counter China’s growing influence.
China has responded to Campbell’s comments with a strong rebuttal, accusing US officials of “disregarding facts, openly and wantonly exaggerating the China threat, and clamouring for camp confrontations.” They urge the US to abandon “Cold War zero-sum thinking, stop spreading the China threat theory, and stop distorting China’s strategic intentions.”
Campbell also addressed the US’s sanctions on a Chinese firm, stating that the United States needs more support from its allies and partners in this endeavor. While the Biden administration continues to engage with China, it has also implemented a series of measures, including tariffs, export controls, and restrictions on access to advanced semiconductor technology. Campbell acknowledges the difficulty facing partner nations, many of whom are already dealing with the economic fallout from cutting energy imports from Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. He points out that for many of these countries, doing business with China has been a significant factor in their economic development for decades. Therefore, taking actions against China on top of the sanctions against Russia might feel like a “one-two punch.” “You can understand leaders in Europe have some anxieties,” Campbell observes.
China maintains that it is not providing weapons to either Russia or Ukraine, unlike the United States. However, Washington alleges that Beijing is offering support that has military applications. This exchange underscores the complexity and heightened tensions in the relationship between the US and China, which are now vying for global dominance.
