U.S. Secretary of State Rubio Meets China's Wang Yi in Malaysia

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sat down with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur for their first in-person meeting, against a backdrop of growing trade disputes and global competition.

The talks happened during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ summit, where both the U.S. and China are working to build stronger ties with Southeast Asian countries.

Rubio, who’s known for his tough views on China, arrived in Malaysia on Thursday for his first Asia trip as Secretary of State. His goal is to show that the U.S. is a reliable partner in the region, especially as China’s influence expands.

Observers say Rubio is trying to convince ASEAN leaders that the U.S. is a better ally than China, its main rival, in these discussions.

1. U.S. Secretary Marco Rubio Meets China’s Wang Yi Amid Escalating Trade Tensions
2. Rubio and Wang Yi Hold First Talks at ASEAN Summit as U.S.-China Tariff Deadline Looms
3. ASEAN Summit: Rubio Pushes U.S. Ties in Asia While Warning China on Trade and Russia Support

The meeting with Wang comes at a tense moment. The U.S. has slapped tariffs of over 100% on Chinese goods, and China has until August 12 to strike a trade deal with the White House to avoid even harsher restrictions. These could bring back tariffs from past trade clashes. China has warned it might retaliate against countries that support U.S. efforts to limit its role in global trade. President Donald Trump has also floated a 10% tariff on BRICS countries, including China, Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa, and newer members like Indonesia and Iran.

Also Read: Trump Administration Expands Tariffs, Targets Six More Countries

Rubio also raised concerns about China’s support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict, saying, “China’s been helping Russia as much as they can without getting caught.” Before meeting Wang, Rubio talked with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. He’s also scheduled to meet Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and South Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoonjoo, despite upcoming U.S. tariffs of 25% on these allies starting August 1.

The ASEAN summit, attended by Japan, China, Russia, Australia, India, and the EU, underscores Southeast Asia’s growing importance. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticized tariffs as tools of global rivalry, echoing regional concerns. Rubio’s visit highlights the U.S.’s focus on Asia while navigating complex trade and security challenges.