Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a closed-door meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday in Kuala Lumpur, marking the first high-level diplomatic engagement between the two powers since recent trade disputes escalated. The three-hour discussion at Malaysia's Putrajaya administrative center focused on economic cooperation, technology competition, and regional security challenges across the Asia-Pacific.
Analysts suggest the timing – coinciding with Malaysia's hosting of ASEAN trade talks – indicates both nations seek to stabilize relations ahead of critical WTO negotiations. A U.S. State Department readout noted 'substantive exchanges' on semiconductor supply chains and AI governance, while China's Foreign Ministry emphasized 'mutual respect in addressing core concerns.'
Notably absent from official statements were references to the Taiwan Strait, though sources indicate Wang reiterated Beijing's position on cross-strait relations. The meeting concluded without joint announcements but established working groups to address agricultural trade imbalances – a key concern for U.S. Midwest exporters.
