He will fill the vacancy left by Deputy Secretary Sherman when she retired.
The Senate voted to confirm Kurt Campbell as deputy secretary of state, the Department of State’s number two position, replacing Wendy Sherman who retired last July. Mr. Campbell had been serving as the National Security Council’s coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs. Prior to this, he founded and led the Asia Group, a business advisory firm specializing in building relationships within Asia.
“Today’s challenges are truly global. What happens in one region affects the others. Our competitors are collaborating – just look at China, Iran, and North Korea’s support for Russia’s war of aggression. We are stronger across-the-board due to our alliances and partnerships,” Coordinator Campbell testified during his confirmation hearing. “China believes that we are in hurtling decline. It is critical that we prove otherwise,”
Both Deputy Secretary Campbell’s nomination and the Senate’s approval reflect the federal government’s increased focus on America’s relationship with China. As China’s influence grows, the complexity of its diplomatic relationship with the U.S. increases.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Deputy Secretary Campbell as he settles into his new role in the State Department.
- For wisdom for the president and his advisors as he nominates and appoints individuals to federal posts.
Sources: Reuters, VOA News
