US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers' gathering in Manila on Wednesday, discussing how to manage bilateral tensions ahead of a planned summit between US President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping.
The meeting occurred amid tensions over China’s conduct in the disputed South China Sea and the US war against Iran, both of which have drawn concern from ASEAN member states.
Rubio acknowledged “great differences” between the US and China that are likely to persist “for the foreseeable future,” but said he and Wang discussed the need to manage those disagreements to ensure Xi has a “very positive visit” to the US, expected in September.
Wang urged the US to “respect China’s core interests, effectively manage differences and disagreements, and address China’s legitimate concerns,” according to an official Chinese summary. The talks were described as “pragmatic, positive and constructive.”
The meeting came two days after a confrontation between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea left a Philippine sailor injured. Rubio said the altercation benefited nobody and reiterated Washington’s commitment to its defense treaty with Manila.
The US has increased military financing for the Philippines to $100 million for fiscal year 2026 and provided an additional $9 million to expand a coastguard pier on Palawan island to enhance maritime law enforcement in the South China Sea.
Rubio also addressed the Iran situation, blaming Tehran for the latest escalation. “If they’re serious, we’re serious. If they’re not, then we will do what’s necessary to protect our interests,” he said. The US has carried out strikes on Iran for 11 consecutive nights, targeting roads, bridges and power plants.
The top US diplomat confirmed he would meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday to discuss the Ukraine war, saying Washington remains open to playing a constructive role in ending the conflict.
Source: www.aljazeera.com