Rubio-Wang meeting: US-China foreign chiefs discuss Xi's September US visit, 'preparing for high-level exchanges'

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a 90-minute meeting in Manila, Philippines, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting. The talks focused on preparing for future high-level exchanges, notably the anticipated September visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States for a summit with President Donald Trump.

China's Foreign Ministry described the meeting as "substantive, positive, and constructive," emphasizing the agreement to properly prepare for the next stage of high-level interactions. Wang Yi stressed that this year is crucial for U.S.-China relations and called for concrete actions to translate the "constructive strategic cooperative relationship" agreed upon by the leaders into practice. He urged the removal of obstacles and overcoming challenges to follow the trajectory set by the presidents, asserting that strategic stability between the two nations should contribute to world peace and international cooperation.

Wang also conveyed China's firm stance on recent "negative U.S. actions and rhetoric," referencing President Trump's claims of Chinese interference in the 2020 U.S. elections. China has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them "baseless and malicious slander." However, reports indicate that Blinken stated the election interference allegations were not discussed during the meeting.

Sensitive issues, including the status of Taiwan, were also on the agenda. Wang Yi urged the U.S. to respect China's core interests, adhere to the "One China" policy, and manage differences constructively. Blinken confirmed discussions on trade and Taiwan, stating the importance of maintaining dialogue despite disagreements. He also noted that the U.S. is internally reviewing a proposed $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, considering its own weapons inventory and production capacity. Regarding the recent clashes between China and the Philippines over the Second Thomas Shoal, Blinken called the situation "very negative and unhelpful to anyone."