State Department Warns That China Would Be Held Accountable If Russia Gains Territory in Ukraine

‘If Russian offenses continue and they gain territory in Ukraine, that will alter the balance of power in Europe.’

Kurt Campbell, then the U.S. assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs, speaks at a press conference at the U.S. embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Dec. 13, 2012. Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said China will be held accountable if Russia gains ground in Ukraine, given the tightening alliance between Beijing and Moscow.

In a Town Hall event hosted by the National Committee on U.S.–China Relations on April 9, Mr. Campbell said preserving peace and stability in Europe has long been a priority for the U.S. government and has been the “most important mission historically.”