The China, Japan Dispute—a ‘Powder Keg,’ Says Top U.S. Official

As tensions escalate in territorial disputes between Japan and China, Kurt Campbell, outgoing U.S. assistant secretary of state to East Asia, fears an armed conflict could erupt.

Outgoing U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell says territorial disputes between Japan and China have been the most challenging diplomatic events of his four-year term. Junko Kimura/Getty Images

WASHINGTON— Kurt Campbell, outgoing U.S. Assistant Secretary of State to East Asia has described the dispute between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands as a potential “powder keg.”

Campbell said the dispute has been one of his greatest challenges in the region.

“In four years as assistant secretary, I’ve faced many difficult diplomatic situations, but none more difficult than this,” Campbell told The Australian newspaper.