“I think it was a very useful and productive exchange,” Tillerson said. “President Xi clearly understands,
and — and I think agrees, that the situation has intensified and has reached a certain level of threat
that action has to be taken.”

“And, indeed, the Chinese, even themselves, have said that they do not believe the conditions are right
today to engage in discussions with the government in Pyongyang,” Tillerson said. “And so what I think
we’re hopeful is that we can work together with the Chinese to change the conditions in the minds of—
of the DPRK leadership. And then, at that point, perhaps discussions may be useful.

But I think there’s a shared view and no disagreement as to how dangerous the situation has become.
And I think even China is beginning to recognize that this presents a threat to even — to— to China’s
interests as well.”

McMaster, making the comments on “Fox News Sunday,” said Mr. Trump and Chinese president
Xi Jinping had agreed North Korea’s pattern of “provocative behavior” was unacceptable, and that the U.S.
was acting accordingly. The Pentagon sent the group Saturday night.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hr-mcmaster-calls-decision-to-send-strike-group-to-western-pacific-prudent/