Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in a significant conversation with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, marking their first interaction on Friday. The call, as per a State Department report, highlighted the Trump Administration's commitment to fostering a U.S.-PRC relationship that prioritizes American interests.
Rubio, recognized for his assertive stance on China within the Senate, underscored the U.S.' dedication to its regional allies and expressed apprehension regarding China's coercive actions in areas such as Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Aside from these pressing matters, the two officials delved into a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues during their discussion.
Notably, the call between Rubio and Wang occurred following a recent conversation between then-President-elect Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The ongoing discourse between the U.S. and China comes amidst looming threats of sanctions from the American administration.
China's interpretation of the call, as conveyed in an English-language statement by Ambassador Xie Feng, delved into the necessity of upholding mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation between the two nations. Wang emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles outlined during the recent conversation between the two Presidents, aiming to navigate differences while expanding areas of collaboration for the stable and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.
Wang further articulated China's commitment to its people's well-being and global contributions, asserting that China's development is rooted in historical context and internal momentum. He clarified that China's objective is not to surpass or replace any nation but to safeguard its legitimate right to development.
