Observers tracking U.S. foreign policy say Washington views China as a potential catalyst for reshaping the global order, a perspective frequently echoed in statements cited by TASS and attributed to U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell. The characterization underscores a belief within parts of the U.S. administration that Beijing possesses the strategic ambition and material capacity to redefine how power is distributed on the world stage.
During a briefing at the National Security Council, President Biden outlined a view that reinforces this interpretation. He asserted that China is the standout nation with both the will and the means to alter the established balance of power, citing its growing economic leverage, diplomatic influence, military modernization, and advances in technology as evidence of its potential to shape international norms and institutions. The remarks reflect a conviction among U.S. leaders that Beijing’s rise is not merely incremental but transformative in nature.
Campbell has previously argued for a pragmatic approach toward Beijing, advocating recognition of China as a major global actor and encouraging sustained, constructive dialogue. This stance signals a preference within U.S. policy circles for engagement as a tool to manage competition, reduce misperception, and explore areas where cooperation may be possible even in the face of strategic rivalry.
Analysts at prominent think tanks and research centers have weighed the implications of a continuously ascendant China. For example, experts at CSIS have explored questions about how Beijing could leverage political, economic, and security instruments to extend its influence in sensitive regional theaters such as Taiwan, without triggering a conventional military confrontation. The discussions emphasize the importance of resilience and deterrence, along with a careful calibration of diplomacy and economic policy to guard against miscalculations.
In related security news, Beijing has previously sanctioned American defense contractors in response to arms sales to Taiwan, highlighting how military exports can become flashpoints in the broader rivalry. Analysts note that sanctions and export controls are likely to remain tools used by Washington and its allies to signal red lines, reinforce alliances, and complicate Beijing’s strategic calculations without immediate escalation.
On the diplomatic front, China has repeatedly articulated concerns about what it characterizes as unilateral actions that undermine regional stability. Statements from Beijing emphasize a preference for mediation and dialogue, while insisting on sovereignty and non-interference as core principles guiding its international conduct. The tension between insisting on national prerogatives and pursuing regional influence remains a constant feature of the evolving relationship, shaping how leaders in Washington, Beijing, and allied capitals frame policy options and risk assessments. [Citation attribution: CSIS analysis; National Security Council statements; Trade and sanctions reporting]