Wang Yi: Hope China, US can find a way to get along in new era

Wang Yi: Hope China, US can find a way to get along in new era

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, July 1, 2025, amidst escalating trade tensions between the two global powers. This meeting, part of Rubio's first trip to Asia since taking office, is a significant step in the U.S. effort to shift its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region [1].

The meeting between Rubio and Wang Yi comes at a critical time in global trade relations. The U.S. has been intensifying its trade policies, as evidenced by recent announcements of steep tariffs on several Asian countries and U.S. allies. China has warned the U.S. against re-imposing substantial tariffs on its goods next month and has threatened to retaliate against countries that cut China out of their supply chains [1].

Rubio's visit is part of a broader effort to emphasize that the U.S. remains a more reliable partner than China, its primary strategic rival. The State Department confirmed that Rubio also met with counterparts from Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia during his visit to Malaysia [1].

Wang Yi, in a separate statement, expressed hope that China and the U.S. can find a way to get along in the new era. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in managing trade relations [2].

The meeting between Rubio and Wang Yi is expected to address U.S. concerns over China's support for Russia in its war against Ukraine, as well as ongoing trade disputes. Analysts believe that Rubio will press the case for the U.S. as a better partner than China, highlighting the importance of U.S. allies in the region [1].

The U.S.'s trade tensions with China have led to significant shifts in global trade patterns. China's exports to the U.S. plunged over 43% year-over-year in May, reflecting the impact of U.S. tariffs and trade policies [1].

Rubio's visit to Kuala Lumpur is part of a broader U.S. strategy to reorient its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region, moving away from the Middle East and Europe conflicts that have dominated the Trump administration's attention. However, this effort has been overshadowed by recent U.S. tariffs on several Asian countries and U.S. allies [1].

References:
[1] https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46362002/marco-rubio-holds-talks-with-chinas-wang-yi-at-east-asia-summit-amid-escalating-us-china-trade-tensions
[2] https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/us-secretary-marco-rubio-to-meet-chinas-wang-yi-in-malaysia-amid-trade-tension/3910421/