Tillerson criticises China over lack of action on North Korea, trade and South China Sea
US Secretary of State signals growing impatience over Beijing’s stance on key issues after accusing it of undermining international rules and norms earlier this week
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson signalled growing US impatience with China on issues from North Korea to trade while vowing to stay on the job as long as President Donald Trump will have him.
During a 30-minute interview at the State Department, Tillerson also showed increasing pessimism about the chance for a quick resolution to a stand-off between Qatar and a bloc of nations led by Saudi Arabia. And he said the “pretty thick skin and thick armour” he developed as chief executive of the energy firm ExxonMobil helped him shrug off rumours about tensions with Trump and reports that he is considered resigning over differences with the president.
“I’m motivated to serve the country and serve this president and until somebody tells me your services are no longer needed or wanted, that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” Tillerson, 65, said.
About two weeks before Trump heads to Asia, the top US diplomat projected a tougher demeanour, particularly toward China whose help the US has sought to rein in North Korea’s nuclear programme.
“I think it is important that China knows – OK, we’ve been having these conversations now for about six months,” Tillerson said in the interview on Thursday in the State Department chamber where he receives visiting foreign diplomats. “We’re expecting to see some change, we’re expecting to see some movement, whether it’s North Korea, or whether it’s South China Sea, or whether it’s trade.”
The remarks follow a speech he gave on Wednesday in which he accused China of undermining the “international, rules-based order” and called it out for “provocative actions in the South China Sea.” He visited China earlier this month and is likely to accompany Trump on his trip, which will include a stop in Beijing.