Rubio and China's Foreign Minister Discussed Preparations for Xi Jinping's Visit to the U.S.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which the two sides discussed preparations for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to Washington in September.
The meeting took place in Manila on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit and lasted about 90 minutes. According to Rubio, the U.S. and China have serious differences, but they also see areas where further cooperation is possible.
The talks took place against the backdrop of a temporary economic truce between Washington and Beijing. Rubio also noted that the issue of allegations that China interfered in the U.S. elections was not raised during the meeting.
Source: Reuters.
Taiwan has decided to increase production of its own long-range missiles due to concerns about possible delays in the delivery of U.S. weapons. The island’s authorities want to strengthen their own defense capabilities amid rising tensions in the region.
China has significantly increased the number of government vessels near Taiwan. Taipei believes that Beijing is not only demonstrating its strength but may also be rehearsing scenarios for a naval blockade of the island. In response, Taiwan is preparing new naval exercises and strengthening the protection of its sea lanes.
