Source: China Radio International
Speaking to China Radio International, Carnegie’s Paul Haenle detailed the strengths and agenda of the new U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry. Haenle explained that throughout Kerry’s time on the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, he showed a great commitment and interest in China. Now that he is Secretary of State, it is unlikely that the U.S. policy of rebalancing toward to Asia will change. Haenle stressed that this policy is not hostile or hardline and in fact is designed to facilitate cooperation and collaboration between both countries.
Haenle then turned to some of the individual issues likely to be raised during Kerry’s visit. Haenle stated that the United States is taking the threats coming from North Korea more seriously. He said that the “United States should be looking for opportunities, as the policy shifts in China, to find areas where China and the United States, South Korea, and Japan and the other members of the Six Party Talks can work together to bring stability to the region”. Haenle also clarified the nature of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and its origins and indicated that it would be beneficial for all if China would join. Cyber security is another area of tension between China and the United States, he added, but the nascent nature of this threat means there is greater scope for all major powers to work together to contain it.