Rubio Meets with Chinese Foreign Minister in Malaysia
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday. The discussion was described by Rubio as significant, noting, “We are two big, powerful countries and there will always be issues we disagree with. I think there are some areas of potential cooperation. It was a very constructive and positive meeting and I thought there was a lot to do.”
He clarified that the meeting wasn’t aimed at negotiating specific competitive points between the US and China. Rubio mentioned that Wang did not express any complaints regarding recent military training in Taiwan or voice any arguments against the US’s stance on Taiwan.
According to reports, China’s Foreign Ministry characterized the exchange as “positive, practical and constructive,” yet did not delve into specifics.
Rubio expressed a hope that the US would engage China “in equal, respectful, mutually beneficial ways” and find a suitable path for their relations. He noted that President Donald Trump has had “very good relations” with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during his first term.
Rubio acknowledged ongoing challenges, saying, “Obviously there are some issues we have to work with: what we can expect from our size, scope and influence as countries in the world.” He seemed to leave the door open for future meetings between Trump and Xi, suggesting that the “odds are high” despite no specific plans being outlined.
He emphasized the importance of creating the right atmosphere for such talks, hoping for tangible outcomes rather than just formal visits. “I don’t have a date for you, but I think it’s coming. It’s going to happen,” he remarked.
In response to a question about US tariffs potentially offering China a chance to stabilize their economic ties in Southeast Asia, Rubio pushed back, highlighting the significant trade imbalances developed over the past few decades. He pointed out how these imbalances not only threaten American industry but are also unfair to American workers. “Trade had to be reconsidered. The President campaigned about it,” he stated.
Prior to the meeting, Rubio planned to address China’s support for Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine, mentioning, “The Chinese have clearly supported the Russian efforts. In general, I think they will help them as much as they can without getting caught.”
