Key facts
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with ASEAN foreign ministers in Manila.
- Rubio affirmed the U.S. commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.
- Rubio is scheduled to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
- The meeting between Rubio and Wang Yi will likely address preparations for a potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- Rubio emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Manila, aiming to reassure the region of Washington's steadfast commitment amid growing concerns about shifting U.S. focus and rising geopolitical tensions. Rubio stressed that partnerships with Asian countries are crucial to U.S. national interests.
On the sidelines of the ASEAN gathering, Rubio is also slated to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Their discussions are expected to include preparations for a potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, following Trump's recent accusations of Chinese interference in U.S. elections, which Beijing denies.
The meetings occur against a backdrop of renewed hostilities involving the U.S. and Iran, and heightened diplomatic tension between China and the Philippines concerning the South China Sea. Rubio, in an opinion piece published upon his arrival, highlighted the "new and coercive threats" faced by Southeast Asian nations and reiterated the U.S. commitment to maritime rights and freedom of navigation in the disputed waters.
Beijing claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, a claim that infringes upon the exclusive economic zones of several ASEAN nations. Wang Yi is also scheduled to meet with Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, with China accusing "external forces" of deliberately creating maritime incidents. Analysts suggest the Rubio-Wang meeting will focus on advancing the U.S.-China relationship ahead of the anticipated leaders' summit.