Mr Culvahouse said that the US was giving"real-time readouts" to allies like Australia about the negotiations.
"But ultimately it's a presidential decision and a decision by my people in Washington so let's keep our fingers crossed." Analysts say Mr Culvahouse will also have to reassure Australian officials that US President Donald Trump will not radically overhaul American foreign policy in Asia. But Mr Culvahouse said the US would not impose extra costs on Australia for the US Marines currently based in Darwin.
that's not for him to say ...
Trump finally recognises the importance of Asia-Pac region and appoints an Ambassador to Australia. 'Arthur B Culvahouse Jr made the remark less than an hour after being ceremonially welcomed to Canberra by the Governor-General'. (Restating Mike Pence's comments).
It's only going to be dangerous if China accepts the repayments in the form of the RMB rather than the US dollar.
Diplomacy obviously not his strongest skill.
stephendziedzic. What matters is not what the US ambassador thinks but oil flows from the Middle East as China's oil imports climb relentlessly. And more opinion: Former Prime Minister Howard assumes US shale oil will provide for China’s oil demand growth