Beijing’s leadership is determined to back Moscow “to the hilt,” says State Department No. 2 Kurt Campbell.
The U.S. is stepping up diplomatic efforts to convince Europe about the scale of China’s role in aiding Russia’s war against Ukraine.
And according to the second most senior figure in the U.S. State Department, Europe is now hardening its stance on Beijing.
Kurt Campbell — the deputy secretary of state who until recently served as U.S. President Joe Biden’s “Indo-Pacific czar” — this week hand-delivered that warning to European diplomats in NATO with “as much detail and specifics as possible.” His visit came ahead of a big NATO leaders’ summit in Washington in July at which the alliance is expected to send a serious message to Beijing.
You’re seeing a public act of geopolitics. Of course Europe knows of China’s position. The USA knows Europe knows. What exists now is a public declaration. This is on a path that could turn into “We, the USA, are doing something about it. You might want to take steps not to get caught in the fallout. We’d also welcome you to join with us in what we’re doing.”