Rubio stressed that both governments were eager for the meeting…reports Asian Lite News
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said there is a “high probability” that US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet later this year, according to CNN. Speaking to reporters in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, Rubio noted, “The odds are high. I think both sides want to see it happen.”
While he did not give a specific date, Rubio stressed that both governments were eager for the meeting. “There’s a strong desire on both sides to do it,” he added.
Rubio met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur in what was the first face-to-face meeting between top US and Chinese diplomats since Trump’s return to office. Both leaders were in Malaysia for ASEAN-related regional meetings that included ministers from Russia, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. This marked Rubio’s first visit to Asia as Secretary of State.
According to CNN, the hour-long meeting was described by Rubio as “very constructive” and “positive.” He acknowledged existing tensions but saw the conversation as a step toward stability. “We’re two big, powerful countries, and there are always going to be issues that we disagree on,” he said. “There’s a lot of work to do.”
The US and China have experienced fluctuating trade relations in recent months. A 90-day pause in tariff escalations was agreed upon during negotiations in London last month and is set to expire in August. As part of continued talks, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to meet Chinese officials in the coming weeks.
Rubio said the meeting allowed both sides to pinpoint possible areas of cooperation. “That was our message — that we have the opportunity to achieve some strategic stability and identify areas where we can cooperate and build better communications and working trust,” he told CNN.
China’s Foreign Ministry issued a similar statement, calling the meeting “positive, pragmatic and constructive.” It said both countries agreed to strengthen communication at all levels and across fields. Wang also urged the US to treat China in an “objective, rational and pragmatic” manner, and to engage with Beijing equally.
During his interaction with the media, Rubio dismissed concerns that rising US tariffs could allow China to gain influence in the region. “We’re resetting tariff levels with virtually every country in the world,” he said. “We don’t view this as an opening for anyone. We view it as an opportunity to reset global trade in a way that’s fair for Americans after two or three decades of unfairness.”
He reaffirmed the US commitment to a “free, open and secure Indo-Pacific” and criticised longstanding trade imbalances. “We’re committed to addressing tremendous trade imbalances… unfair to America and American workers,” Rubio said. CNN reported that the US registered a $295 billion goods trade deficit with China in 2024.
Wang, in his remarks, reiterated that China is a steady regional partner, especially to ASEAN nations. Despite tensions with countries such as the Philippines over the South China Sea, China continues to signal its willingness to work constructively within Asia.
The possibility of a meeting between Trump and Xi could mark a significant moment in the ongoing recalibration of one of the world’s most important bilateral relationships.
