State Department adviser Derek Chollet said in a taped interview with American media on Wednesday that the United States welcomes China’s desire to broker peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, but those talks should be guided by the interests of Ukraine.
“Many are interested in participating in peacekeeping efforts, but they usually speak with the Russian side first,” Chollet said. – We think it is necessary to start (with a conversation) with the Ukrainian side in order to understand its interests and what it wants to do to regain its territory… So it is a good thing that China is discussing now with Ukraine, that the Chinese envoy went there”.
The State Department adviser, however, said he didn’t expect much from the effort.
“Where China can be most helpful is in trying to get its message across to Putin and encourage Vladimir Putin to stop this war,” he said. – It is important to note that this war could end tomorrow if Vladimir Putin decides to withdraw his troops from Ukraine. I see no reason to believe that Putin is going to do it any time soon… We would like our Chinese colleagues to use all their influence to encourage Putin to stop this war. I haven’t seen anything to suggest they’re ready to use that influence. And I haven’t seen anything to suggest that even if they were willing to use that influence, it would help change Putin’s mind. But it’s a simple thing that we would like to see.”
After China “irresponsibly and unacceptably launched a surveillance balloon over the United States,” Cholle said, adding to tensions between the two countries, Washington nonetheless hopes to resume dialogue.
“There are no plans yet (to resume regular meetings),” he said. “The important thing is that we are ready to have this dialogue, and that is what we are telling our colleagues in China.”
Responding to a question about China’s demand on the United States that Washington stop strengthening its relations with Taiwan, the State Department adviser said the United States would not abandon its obligations to its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific or any other region.
Regarding the supply of F-16 fighters to Ukraine, Chollet said that the Pentagon is working closely with defense ministries in Europe and other countries, discussing further steps in this direction.
“However, it will be some time before we see the use of this aircraft in combat,” he stressed. – I don’t think these weapons will be particularly relevant for the upcoming (Ukrainian) counter-offensive (due to the time required for pilot training). But, nevertheless, when we think about the future needs of Ukraine, its current needs for deterrence (aggression) and self-defense, these aircraft will be an essential part of the modern Ukrainian armed forces.
Read the Ukraine War News Latest Today on The Eastern Herald.
