NEW DELHI: The United States’ deputy secretary of State Kurt Campbell extended support to India’s efforts to improve strained ties with China.
Campbell commended the initiative to reduce tensions following external affairs minister S Jaishankar‘s statement on finding solutions to border issues with China, which have long been a source of tension between the two neighbors, as per a Reuters report.“Our focus with regard to China will be on finding a solution for the border issues,” Jaishankar had said on June 11 after assuming office for the second term.
“I think the truth is that anytime two countries can find a degree of the common space to reduce tensions, I think we have to support that,” said Campbell.
The deputy secretary also mentioned that the US is optimistic about the bilateral relationship with India and is committed to maintaining and advancing it.
Campbell highlighted the upcoming visit to India with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan to strengthen areas of coordination between the two countries. While expressing confidence in the US-India partnership, he also acknowledged the complexity of resolving structural issues between China and India. “I think there are some structural issues between China and India that frankly will be difficult to resolve,” said Campbell.
In discussing potential rapprochement with China, Campbell emphasized the challenges posed by Chinese President Xi Jinping’s approach to territorial matters. He said, “One of the things that we’ve seen under Xi Jinping on anything that bridges, or touches, territorial matters, I think it’s very hard for the Chinese to show any flexibility, or any desire to find common ground.”
The border between India and China spans 3,800 km and has been a point of contention since a war in 1962. Tensions escalated in July 2020, resulting in a military standoff following clashes that led to casualties on both sides.