On July 11, 2025, a high-level meeting took place between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
The primary topic of discussion at the meeting was the extensive tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which have led to global economic uncertainty. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi strongly criticized these measures, calling them “typical unilateral bullying behavior” and noting that they undermine the free trade system and hinder the stability of the global supply chain. He also stated that these U.S. actions deprive Southeast Asian countries of their legitimate right to development.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan emphasized the need to deepen regional economic integration to better protect against external shocks, as ASEAN countries are among the most affected by U.S. tariffs, potentially impacting the region’s projected economic growth. In a joint communiqué, ASEAN foreign ministers affirmed that unilateral tariffs are “counterproductive and increase the risk of global economic fragmentation.”
Beyond trade issues, other pressing geopolitical matters were on the agenda for the U.S.-China dialogue. U.S. concerns about China’s support for Russia in the war in Ukraine were highlighted, with the observation that China is “ready to help them as much as possible.” China, however, consistently maintains a neutral stance regarding the Ukraine conflict.
The issue of Taiwan was also discussed. The U.S. expressed concern about China’s increasing military pressure on the island. Regarding the South China Sea, Wang Yi stated that the territory is a “common home” for regional countries and not an “arena for major powers to demonstrate,” emphasizing the need for cooperation and peaceful resolution. Furthermore, China expressed readiness to expand cooperation with ASEAN countries in marine environmental protection, navigation safety, and maritime law enforcement. However, Rubio noted that many Southeast Asian countries are concerned about China’s dominance and wish to cooperate with the U.S.
At the ASEAN meeting, Wang Yi emphasized China’s importance as “the most reliable stabilizing force in a turbulent world” and “the most reliable partner for ASEAN members to overcome challenges.” He called on all parties to support multilateralism and strengthen cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and green development. Although no detailed joint statement was released after the U.S.-China meeting, Rubio described the talks as “very constructive and positive.”
