<p>U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he spoke with China’s top diplomat about a September state visit by Xi Jinping to Washington, a trip President Trump intends to use to deepen a personal relationship with the Chinese leader.</p>
<p>The discussion in Manila about the visit signaled that the summit remains on schedule, despite Trump’s recent remarks blaming China for attempting to influence U.S. elections. Rubio described the meeting as groundwork for a positive visit and indicated Xi is expected to have a favorable reception in Washington.</p>
<p>Rubio noted that the two governments are establishing a board of trade and a separate board of investment, with more details to be announced at the September summit. These groups were agreed upon during Trump’s May visit to Beijing, following a pause in the broader trade war.</p>
<p>Rubio said he and Wang Yi did not discuss Trump’s accusations about China interfering in elections; he added that the intelligence cited by Trump is not new and had been reviewed years earlier, with U.S. agencies concluding Russia, not China, is the primary actor in election interference.</p>
<p>The Chinese foreign ministry has issued pro forma statements pushing back on the accusations while signaling an understanding that Trump’s remarks reflect domestic politics rather than a shift in policy.</p>
<p>Rubio acknowledged significant differences in U.S.-China relations but expressed belief that both sides will need to work through them, with these disagreements likely persisting for the foreseeable future.</p>
<p>Rubio was in Manila for an annual Southeast Asian diplomatic conference, where he joined other regional leaders and officials, including noting that Wang and Russia’s top diplomat are also in attendance this week.</p>
<p>During Trump’s May visit to Beijing, Xi offered praise for Trump and hosted a state banquet; Rubio was part of the delegation accompanying Trump, and has historically been a leading critic of China who has since moderated his stance to align with the administration.</p>
<p>Rubio did not provide a direct answer on whether China or Russia are providing information to Iran to aid its military actions against U.S. forces, but he stressed that Iran’s attacks aboard commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz remain a point of contention and that U.S.-China actions must be managed to avoid broader conflict.</p>
<p>He also criticized Chinese coast guard incursions near Taiwan, noting such actions are frequently discussed in meetings and are seen as contrary to efforts toward strategic stability; he emphasized the need to honor alliance commitments, such as those with the Philippines, while acknowledging these issues reflect broader policy disagreements with China and require careful management.</p>
<p>Rubio indicated that the United States would like to pursue detailed discussions with China on nuclear issues, given China’s expanding nuclear arsenal.</p>
<br><br><br><br>