NSA adviser says ‘dangerous’ for U.S. not to engage with China
National Security Advisor Susan Rice on Monday defended the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House saying it would be "dangerous" if the United States did not engage with China.
"I know that some people question why we host China at all. That's a dangerous and short-sighted view," Susan Rice told an audience at George Washington University on Monday.
"If we sought to punish China by canceling meetings or refusing to engage them, we would only be punishing ourselves," she added.
Critics, including GOP presidential hopefuls, have called for Xi's state visit to be canceled after allegations China has committed cyber-espionage against U.S. companies, as well as China's increasingly aggressive military posture in the Pacific region.
Rice was stern in her warning to China saying that state-sponsored, cyber-enabled economic espionage isn't a "mild irritation" but a national security issue that jeopardizes the Chinese and United States' relationship.
"As my critics allege, I am rather direct," Rice told the students. "I assure you that President Obama will be just as direct when he sees President Xi."
Xi's visit begins with a private dinner on Thursday with Obama before beginning the official state visit on Friday, which includes bilateral talks, a joint press conference and a formal state dinner.
Rice also warned that maritime disputes in the South China Sea will also be of discussion during the state visit, saying the United States insists upon preserving freedom of navigation and commerce. Rice added, "The United States of America will sail, fly, and operate anywhere that international law permits."
