China8217;s rise has enormous implications for US: Campbell

Obama8217;s top diplomatic nominee for East Asia said that the rise of China has enormous implications for the United States. And as the Obama Administration plans to engage China on a host of economic and diplomatic issues,human rights and Tibet would continue to remain a subject of concern,he said. 8220;China8217;s rise has enormous implications for the United States but more directly and more urgently,in the short term,for Japan,8221; said Kurt Campbell,Obama nominee for the post of Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. 8220;I think that8217;s sometimes been difficult for our Japanese friends,as it has been for the United States,8221; Campbell said in his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday.

8220;My approach to this is that the best way to engage China is with the strongest possible partnership with Japan and for Japanese friends to know that we are behind them,8221; he said. 8220;We support their strong role not only in the region but globally,but also to underscore to them that they share similar goals about what we look for,in terms of China8217;s evolution into a great power,8221; Campbell said. Responding to a question,Campbell said climate change has now emerged as a major issue between China and the US. 8220;Unless the United States and China together take climate change issues seriously,it8217;s very difficult to imagine much success in an international forum,8221; he said.

Observing that China8217;s military build-up is an issue that needs to be more transparent,he said,8221;We need a deeper engagement. We have mechanisms in place that allow us to develop greater trust and confidence with our Chinese interlocutors in the PLA.8221;

In his prepared statement,Campbell said US-China relationship is complex,it is developing rapidly and it is one of the most consequential of our bilateral relationships. 8220;China8217;s rise as an economic power and its growing political and diplomatic influence are developments with global and not merely regional ramifications,8221; he said. President Obama agreed with President Hu at the G-20 Summit in London that both the United States and China will seek to build a positive,cooperative and comprehensive relationship for the 21st century,he said. 8220;The American people expect us to continue the promotion of human rights and religious freedom in China. If confirmed,I will ensure that human rights,religious freedom for all China8217;s citizens,and development of the rule of law and civil society remain strong pillars of our engagement. The situation in Tibet will remain a subject of engagement and concern,8221; Campbell said.