U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Wednesday that a significant portion of his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi centered on President Xi Jinping's planned visit to the United States.
The two officials convened in Manila, on the sidelines of a regional gathering hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Rubio indicated to reporters that while differences persist between the two nations, managing these divergences and identifying areas for potential cooperation remains a priority. President Donald Trump has previously suggested that a summit with President Xi could occur in late September.
This meeting takes place amidst a delicate trade truce between the United States and China. Relations have been strained by President Trump's allegations of Chinese interference in U.S. elections, claims that Beijing has vehemently denied. Rubio confirmed that these specific allegations were not a subject of discussion with Wang Yi.
Overall U.S.-China relations have experienced a period of greater stability following a temporary trade truce established by President Trump and President Xi in October. The two leaders last met in Beijing in May. China has not yet formally confirmed President Xi's prospective visit to Washington.
Rubio also noted that trade matters and the bilateral Board of Trade were discussed, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue between the two countries, regardless of their differing perspectives. The ASEAN meeting occurs within a context of global instability, with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East impacting international trade and creating economic pressures throughout Asia.
Regarding China's role in the Middle East conflict, Rubio commented that while China's actions had not altered the conflict's trajectory, Beijing had demonstrated cooperation in certain instances concerning Iran.
