The Biden administration has announced the appointment of seasoned diplomat Mark Lambert as its top official for China policy at the State Department. This move comes amidst the backdrop of complex and strained relations between the United States and China, marked by contentious issues such as Taiwan, trade disputes, and American restrictions on Beijing’s access to U.S. technology.
Mark Lambert will take on the role of deputy assistant secretary for China and Taiwan and will lead the Office of China Coordination, informally referred to as China House, according to a statement released by the State Department. The creation of this division occurred in late 2022, with the aim of consolidating and improving the coordination of China-related policies across various regions and issues. However, this initiative has faced criticism for potentially adding more complexity to an already intricate decision-making process.
News of Lambert’s impending appointment was initially reported by Reuters on August 29, 2023. Lambert brings substantial expertise to the role, having previously undertaken two assignments at the U.S. embassy in Beijing. His most recent position involved serving as a deputy assistant secretary, primarily focused on matters related to Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and relations with Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
The State Department emphasized Lambert’s extensive experience in dealing with issues concerning the People’s Republic of China (PRC), forging aligned policies with American allies and partners, and safeguarding the integrity of the international system.
It is worth noting that Lambert’s appointment is not expected to significantly alter the overarching tone of Washington’s China policy. The current approach has revolved around engaging with Beijing to ensure that the already tense relationship does not escalate into open conflict. Nevertheless, Lambert’s appointment is anticipated to bring renewed vigor to an operation that has faced criticism for introducing additional layers of bureaucracy and impeding the policymaking process.
A senior State Department official explained, “He is fully onboard with the mission and the mandate of China House. He’s really focused on making sure that it’s policy, paper, process, and also people.” The State Department acknowledged that there were some staffing challenges when China House was established and mobilized. However, they have denied any connection between these issues and the administration’s policy towards Beijing, asserting that the division is one of their most high-functioning teams.
The United States and China find themselves in disagreement on a range of pressing issues, including but not limited to Taiwan, trade disputes, the opioid crisis with regards to fentanyl, and human rights concerns. President Biden’s administration has implemented measures to limit China’s access to sensitive U.S. technology while concurrently attempting to maintain open channels of communication.
In recent months, several high-ranking members of the U.S. cabinet have visited Beijing, with the objective of laying the groundwork for a potential meeting later in the year between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The intent is to foster dialogue and diplomacy, even in the midst of significant challenges and differences between the two nations.
Read More;