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

The United States and China held diplomatic talks on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers' meeting in Manila, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaging his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. The discussion centered on managing escalating tensions between the two powers ahead of an anticipated visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States in September.

Rubio acknowledged that fundamental differences between Washington and Beijing would likely persist, but emphasized the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue to ensure Xi's visit proceeds positively. Wang, for his part, called on the US to respect China's core interests and address legitimate Chinese concerns, characterizing the talks as pragmatic and constructive. Both delegations committed to preparing for continued high-level diplomatic engagement.

The meeting occurred against a backdrop of regional instability. Two days prior, a confrontation between Chinese and Philippine vessels at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal resulted in injury to a Philippine sailor, prompting both nations to summon each other's ambassadors. Rubio reiterated Washington's commitment to its defense treaty obligations with the Philippines and warned against allowing the South China Sea to fall under the control of powers willing to weaponize commerce for geopolitical advantage.

China maintains territorial claims over nearly the entire South China Sea through its historical nine-dash line, which overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of multiple Southeast Asian nations and remains a persistent source of regional friction.