US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in the Philippine capital, Manila.
The main focus of the meeting was on managing tensions between the two nations in the run-up to the planned September summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Major differences to persist but be managed
Rubio stated that the US and China have 'major differences' that will continue 'for the foreseeable future.' However, he stressed that these disputes must be managed to enable Xi to make a 'very positive visit' to the US.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Wang Yi told his counterpart that the US needs to 'respect China's core interests, effectively manage differences and disagreements, and address China's legitimate concerns.' Beijing described the meeting as 'pragmatic, positive and constructive.'
South China Sea tensions and US commitment
The meeting came on the heels of a fresh confrontation in the South China Sea. On Monday, Chinese coast guard boats and Philippine navy personnel clashed at Second Thomas Shoal, leaving one Filipino sailor injured.
Rubio said such incidents benefit no one, and declared that Washington would continue to stand by the Philippines under its defense pact with Manila. 'We intend to meet our treaty obligations and we will continue to do so,' he said.
Criticism of Iran and Ukraine talks
Rubio also addressed the Iran issue at the ASEAN meeting. Saying Tehran was responsible for the latest escalation, he stated, 'The current problem is they are not serious about negotiations. If they are serious, we are serious. If they are not, we will do what is necessary to protect our interests and those of our allies.'
Reminding that the US has been carrying out airstrikes on Iran for 11 nights, Rubio said Iran cannot be allowed to control the Strait of Hormuz, as it would set a dangerous precedent.
The US top diplomat also confirmed he would discuss the Ukraine war with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Thursday, and said Washington is open to playing a constructive role in ending the conflict.
