Rubio says US, China must ‘work through’ big differences at ASEAN meeting

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Manila to discuss managing bilateral tensions ahead of President Xi Jinping's upcoming U.S. visit. The discussions aimed to ensure a positive visit despite significant differences between the two nations on issues like the South China Sea and election interference allegations. Wang emphasized China's need for respect of its core interests and concerns, while Rubio reiterated U.S. treaty obligations to the Philippines following a recent confrontation in the South China Sea. Rubio also addressed the situation with Iran, stating Tehran was not serious about talks.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Philippine Foreign Minister Maria Theresa Lazaro in Manila on Wednesday. The meeting, held on the sidelines of an ASEAN foreign ministers' gathering, was the first formal discussion between the top diplomats since Lazaro took office. Both ministers emphasized the importance of reducing the risk of miscalculation and maintaining stability in the South China Sea. This discussion followed recent tensions in the disputed waters, including a maritime clash between Chinese coastguard and Philippine Navy vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippine foreign ministry characterized the talks as "candid, comprehensive and constructive."

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Manila on Wednesday during ASEAN meetings. They discussed President Xi Jinping's planned visit to the US later this year and the dispute between Beijing and Manila in the South China Sea. Rubio stated that bilateral differences persist but emphasized the need to manage them, also noting potential areas for cooperation. The meeting occurred as both diplomats attended a series of ASEAN-related events in Manila from Monday to Thursday.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Manila on Wednesday. The meeting, occurring on the sidelines of ASEAN-related events, follows President Donald Trump's recent accusation that China interfered in the 2020 US election by compromising over 200 million voter records. While Trump indicated the US would address the alleged interference with China, he downplayed the likelihood of retaliation, stating the events occurred "a long time ago" and that the relationship is not a "one-way street." China has denied the allegations, asserting its adherence to the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs.