In departing address, McMaster warns about Chinese aggression, stresses need for free trade in Indo-Pacific

 The United States must compete to counter Chinese economic aggression, outgoing National Security Advisor Lt Gen HR McMaster has said.

His comments came a day after China said it would take "comprehensive countermeasures" and fight "at any cost" US President Donald Trump's directive to authorities to consider tariffs on USD 100-billion worth of Chinese products. McMaster, who after being the NSA for President Donald Trump for more than a year, yesterday marked his exit from the administration. He has not announced his future plans yet. He would be replaced by former US Ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton, on Monday.

Media reports have said that he was leaving the White House because of the differences he has had with Trump on a number of key issues. However, both the White House and McMaster have denied this claim. In his departing statement yesterday, McMaster even praised Trump's national security policy. "I am immensely proud of the vital role that the National Security Council (NSC) played in restoring America's strategic confidence. We helped the president set forth a strategic direction for the US to protect the American people, promote American prosperity, preserve peace through strength, and advance American influence," McMaster said.

He underlined the US' "new approach" towards China and North Korea as were meant to protect the American people. "Examples include a new approach to North Korea, through maximum pressure on Pyongyang and close coordination with our allies and partners, including China. Our realistic approach towards China recognises that we must compete to counter China's economic aggression as we promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region," McMaster said. McMaster said the US were making Russia accountable for its actions.

"The US and our allies are imposing costs on Russia for its destabilising actions, while leaving the door open for future cooperation," he said. The US was also pushing to defeat the ISIS, McMaster said."The US led the defeat of ISIS's so-called 'caliphate', while reinvigorating our Middle Eastern alliances. In South Asia, we are fighting terrorists in Afghanistan, while holding Pakistan accountable. In Europe,our NATO allies are doing more for our common security showing that they've heeded the President's challenge," he said.

"We are taking a firm stand against Iran's nearly 40-year proxy war against America, as well as its support for terrorist groups and its perpetuation of violence across the Middle East," he added.
On the last day of his duty, the White House described McMaster as a terrific person. "On a personal note, it has been a real privilege to serve alongside him and to travel around the world advancing the President's America First foreign policy. His decades-long career in service of his nation is an inspiration to us all, and we know he will do well wherever he lands next," White House Press Secretary told reporters.

McMaster was given a warm send-off by the White House staffers yesterday, reflecting his popularity in the administration. Among those spotted in the audience were the Vice President Mike Pence. Before leaving the White House, McMaster met with his successor Bolton for their last transition meeting. Following that meeting, McMaster and his family met with Trump who thanked McMaster for his service and time as NSA.