US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila. The talks came amid rising tensions over the Middle East and the South China Sea. The meeting highlighted ongoing diplomatic engagement between the world’s two largest economies.
Rubio and Wang were expected to discuss a possible summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump recently said the meeting could take place at the end of September. However, neither official spoke to reporters before the talks.
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The meeting followed a fragile truce between Washington and Beijing. Meanwhile, tensions remain over US accusations of Chinese interference in American elections, which Beijing has denied. Regional disputes in the South China Sea also continue to strain relations.
Additionally, ASEAN foreign ministers expressed serious concern over renewed fighting in the Middle East. Rubio blamed Iran for the lack of progress in diplomatic efforts. He said the United States remained ready for talks if Tehran demonstrated genuine commitment.
Rubio also warned that Iran must not control the Strait of Hormuz. Moreover, he said such a development could threaten global trade and set a dangerous precedent for Southeast Asia. The remarks reflected broader US security concerns in the region.
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Meanwhile, Australia voiced concern over recent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine forces in the South China Sea. China rejected the criticism and urged other countries to avoid increasing tensions. Wang later called for greater regional trust, openness, and cooperation with ASEAN.
Therefore, the Manila meetings brought together major global and regional powers to address shared security challenges. Rubio also attended a Quad meeting with India, Australia, and Japan. The group reaffirmed its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.