Rubio says US and China must work through differences at ASEAN meeting

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio met with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in Washington on Tuesday to discuss mechanisms for de‑escalating bilateral tensions ahead of President Xi Jinping’s scheduled visit to the United States later this year. The two officials exchanged views on a range of issues, including trade disputes, cybersecurity concerns, and the status of Taiwan, emphasizing the need for clear communication channels and crisis‑management protocols to prevent misunderstandings that could undermine the diplomatic agenda.

Both sides indicated that constructive dialogue would be essential to ensure a smooth presidential trip, with the Chinese delegation signaling willingness to address U.S. concerns while the United States reiterated its expectation of adherence to international norms. The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain regular high‑level contacts and to prepare joint statements that would underscore mutual interests, setting the stage for a potentially stabilizing encounter between the two leaders.