Kurt Campbell on China, Allies, and US Power | China Considered | Hoover Institution

In this episode, Elizabeth Economy sits down with former Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell to talk about his distinguished career, Indo-Pacific strategy, and the recent presidential summit in Beijing. They start by talking about Campbell’s early years in government, including his experience in military diplomacy negotiating with both the Chinese and Taiwanese. The two then discuss the current impact the war in Iran is having on both China and the broader geostrategic relationship as it pertains to the Trump-Xi meeting; Campbell describes the Chinese perspective as President Trump arrived in Beijing as a “correlation of power in many respects has shifted against the president”. In the broader strategic context, Economy and Campbell then emphasize the importance of working together with allies and partners, even if a current overarching strategy is lacking. The two conclude by discussing what the US role in Asia, and the international system, may look like going forward, and how it has already changed. 

Recorded on May 14, 2026.

ABOUT THE SERIES

China Considered with Elizabeth Economy is a Hoover Institution podcast series that features in-depth conversations with leading political figures, scholars, and activists from around the world. The series explores the ideas, events, and forces shaping China’s future and its global relationships, offering high-level expertise, clear-eyed analysis, and valuable insights to demystify China’s evolving dynamics and what they may mean for ordinary citizens and key decision makers across societies, governments, and the private sector.