"Hold China Accountable for Human Rights Abuses... Implement Sanctions Regime on North Korea"

Remarks by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia Nominee at Senate Hearing

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Daniel Kritenbrink, the nominee for U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, criticized China for human rights abuses and unfair trade practices, and expressed his intention to further develop ties with Taiwan. Regarding North Korea, he stated that reducing the nuclear threat is a top priority and emphasized the importance of enforcing the sanctions regime.

At a Senate confirmation hearing on the 15th (local time), Kritenbrink said, "China is the greatest geopolitical test," and that winning the strategic competition with China is a policy priority.

He mentioned, "The United States will respond to China's attempts to undermine the international rules-based order, stop China's unfair trade practices, secure critical supply chains, protect sensitive U.S. technologies, and build our strength domestically."

He particularly emphasized, "We will continue to hold Chinese authorities accountable for the ongoing genocide in Xinjiang, the suppression of autonomy and civil liberties in Hong Kong, and the systematic repression in Tibet," and added, "We will strengthen the capabilities of our partners to counter China's threats and illegal maritime claims."

Kritenbrink is known as a 'China expert' with extensive experience in diplomacy with China, having served as Senior Director for Asia at the White House National Security Council (NSC) and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in China.

However, he also indicated that cooperation with China is possible when it aligns with U.S. interests, such as on climate change, drug interdiction, and non-proliferation.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kritenbrink also stated that he regards North Korea's nuclear and missile threats as a policy priority and is committed to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through cooperation with allies.

Kritenbrink said that one of the six policy priorities is "reducing the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile programs."

He added, "If confirmed, I will support a coordinated and pragmatic diplomatic approach that prioritizes the safety of the United States, our allies, and deployed forces, while ensuring that North Korea and other countries comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions."

Kritenbrink reiterated, "The Biden administration is committed to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," and said, "I will support a pragmatic and coordinated approach, as well as one that relies on sanctions enforcement and deterrence."

He stated, "If confirmed, I will gladly learn how to strengthen the Brink Act and the sanctions regime, but I agree with you, Senator, that enforcing the sanctions regime with the tools we have is very important."

The Brink Act prohibits financial institutions that deal with North Korea from transacting with U.S. financial institutions.