Kurt Campbell on China, Allies, and US Power

The evolution of U.S.-China relations from the 1990s to the present reveals a shift from optimistic engagement to intense strategic competition. Kurt Campbell, a former Deputy Secretary of State, highlights how early military-to-military dialogues and the "responsible stakeholder" framework have been supplanted by an adversarial dynamic, particularly under Xi Jinping. Current U.S. foreign policy focus on Middle Eastern crises risks distracting from the Indo-Pacific, where deterrence relies on a fragile network of allies and partners. While the current administration lacks a coherent overarching strategy, intense competition in technology and national security persists. Strengthening regional alliances remains the most effective path forward, though the United States must overcome significant credibility challenges to rebuild the trust necessary with partners like Japan and India to effectively manage China’s rise and maintain regional stability.