Derek Chollet, Counselor of the US Department of State
A senior US State Department official stated that preconditions imposed by Beijing would not be acceptable in order to seek contact with the country.
As China’s economy struggles, its ambition to become a global superpower is on hold. Unrealistic ambitions are harming China’s economic growth prospects, and the country has backed off its yearly economic growth target, resulting in slashed consumer spending, manufacturing, and commerce.
In an interview, US Department of State senior official Derek Chollet stated that there is little evidence that China is willing to use its influence over Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine ahead of the Global Chiefs of Mission Conference in mid-June when US ambassadors will travel to Washington for consultations.
The US official further said that Washington is now working out the details of delivering F-16 fighter jets to war-torn Ukraine.
To debate the future of F-16s, our Pentagon colleagues are working closely with Ministries of Defence in Europe and around the world. He believes that training is essential because they are difficult planes to fly.
“We’re still working out who will actually provide those planes. We haven’t made any decisions for ourselves”, the US official continued.
On China’s peacemaking efforts, US State Department official Derek Chollet expressed cautious optimism.
Russia and China have strong ties. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin appear to have met frequently.
“We would ask our PRC friends to use whatever influence they have over Russia to persuade Putin to end this war. I haven’t seen much evidence that they’re willing to use their power. And I haven’t seen much evidence that even if they were willing to use their power, it would be effective in changing Putin’s opinion. But that’s all we’re asking”, Derek Chollet added.
Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor, and top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi met and reviewed the two countries’ relationship.
At present, the United States’ relationship with Taiwan has irritated China in a variety of ways. China has regularly expressed its displeasure with the United States’ support for Taiwan in the face of Chinese intrusions.
This time around, the primary goal for G7 leaders at the Hiroshima Summit was to discuss China, which is increasingly seen as posing a “strategic challenge” to the region and beyond.
Tensions between China and Taiwan rose after then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island in August of last year. China protested Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, which it claims as part of its sovereignty.
Also read: Taipei: Chinese Aircraft Carrier Sailed Across Taiwan Strait
