The White House press secretary released on 8 May 2018 a tough statement on South Sudan, which stated the United States "will not continue in a partnership with leaders who are only interested in perpetuating an endless war characterized by ethnically-motivated atrocities." The US has initiated a comprehensive review of its assistance programs to South Sudan.
Coincidentally, the Oil Review reported on 10 May 2018 a statement made that day by South Sudan's oil minister praising the Chinese National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), which does not ask "how is the political situation?" but unlike western companies is only interested in doing business.