Mark Lambert, a highly respected veteran diplomat, has been appointed by the US State Department to lead the new ‘China House’ initiative, aimed at enhancing US diplomatic strategy towards China globally. His appointment reflects a shift in US policy towards China under the Biden administration, focusing on countering China’s influence across various global regions.
The U.S. State Department has appointed veteran diplomat Mark Lambert to lead its new “China House,” formally known as the Office of China Coordination. This initiative, established last year, aims to enhance U.S. diplomatic strategy towards China across various global regions beyond the Asia-Pacific.
Lambert, highly respected in diplomatic circles, steps into this role amidst significant personnel changes. He replaces Rick Waters, who left in June to join the Eurasia Group consulting firm. Lambert will also serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for China and Taiwan.
Previously, Lambert has held prominent roles such as U.S. special envoy for North Korea, and he has extensive experience in East Asia, including postings in Beijing, Vietnam, and Japan. His career reflects a focus on countering authoritarian influence, particularly from China, in international institutions.
The establishment of China House aligns with a broader push from the Biden administration for a more assertive stance on China, reflecting critiques from both sides of the political aisle about U.S. policies toward Beijing.
The China House mirrors a similar operational structure within the CIA and comes at a time when the State Department has faced both staffing challenges and external scrutiny over its management of China-related policies.
Lambert’s appointment signals a reinforcement of the U.S. strategic emphasis on countering China’s growing geopolitical influence, with a revised focus on global coordination across different regions including Latin America, Africa, and Eurasia.
This move highlights ongoing strategic recalibrations within the U.S. government to address the multifaceted global influence of Beijing.