Mr. Quam has served in various positions in the U.S. government for 17 years working in policy and intelligence roles focused on the People’s Republic of China. Erik served with the U.S. Department of State for over 12 years prior to joining USINDOPACOM in March, 2022. From August 2020 to February 2022 he served on the Secretary’s Policy Planning Staff covering China and Taiwan issues. From 2010 to 2020 Erik served in various roles in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation Regional Affairs Office, including Senior Advisor for China and Team Chief for East Asia, managing engagement with China on nonproliferation and arms control issues, and leading efforts to address challenges posed by Chinese approaches to emerging technologies. Erik was honored with the Secretary of State’s Award for Excellence in International Security Affairs in November 2020. Prior to joining the State Department, Erik served as a China analyst at the Defense Intelligence Agency from 2007 to 2010.

Erik was born in Alexandria, Minnesota and earned Bachelor’s Degrees from the University of Minnesota. He earned a Master’s Degree in International Policy Studies from the Monterey (Middlebury) Institute of International Studies in 2007. He also holds graduate certificates from National Taiwan University, the Johns Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies, and the Middlebury Institute Center for Nonproliferation Studies.

Last Updated: 24 February 2025