By Michael Martina
MANILA, July 22 (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Wednesday that his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Manila, held alongside an ASEAN-led regional gathering, included extensive discussions on President Xi Jinping’s anticipated visit to the United States. While acknowledging existing differences between the two nations, Rubio emphasized the importance of managing these challenges and exploring opportunities for cooperation.
President Donald Trump has previously indicated a potential summit with Xi could occur in late September. The meeting occurs amid a fragile trade truce between the world’s two largest economies, though tensions persist due to Trump’s recent allegations of Chinese interference in U.S. elections—a claim Beijing has dismissed as unfounded.
Rubio confirmed that election interference was not addressed during the talks. Relations have remained relatively stable under the temporary trade agreement reached by Trump and Xi in October, though China has not officially confirmed Xi’s planned trip to Washington. Trade matters and bilateral economic dialogue were among topics discussed, with Rubio stressing the necessity of continued communication despite disagreements.
The ASEAN gathering takes place amid global economic uncertainty, as the war in the Middle East disrupts trade and strains markets across Asia. Rubio noted that China has not altered the trajectory of the conflict but acknowledged Beijing’s limited cooperation on Iran-related issues.
(Reporting by Michael Martina; Additional reporting by Mikhail Flores; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by David Stanway)
