Rubio calls China talks constructive despite U.S. tariff backlash in Asia

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Malaysia, calling the talks 'positive and constructive' despite growing tensions over new U.S. tariffs on Asian economies.

During his first Asia tour as Secretary of State, Marco Rubio held face-to-face talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Malaysia.

Despite heightened tensions over President Trump’s newly imposed tariffs on Asian imports, both sides described the meeting as constructive. Rubio emphasized that the discussion was not a negotiation but a starting point for continued dialogue, adding that a future Trump-Xi meeting is likely.

Beijing has sharply criticized Washington's tariff actions, calling them 'unilateral bullying,' while warning of potential retaliation.

The tariffs target key U.S. partners, including China, Japan, South Korea, and several ASEAN nations. China faces a deadline of 12 August to reach a deal and avoid further trade curbs.

Rubio also met with foreign ministers from Southeast Asia to highlight the U.S. commitment to the region. ASEAN ministers, without naming the U.S., warned that unilateral tariffs could worsen global economic fragmentation and called for fair trade practices.

In addition, Rubio held talks with Russia’s Sergei Lavrov about possible new approaches to the Ukraine conflict. He also met with Japanese and South Korean officials to strengthen trilateral security ties.

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