Photo courtesy of Anadolu
China called on the United States to respect its core interests and adhere to the one-China policy as both countries prepared for a planned visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the US.
The appeal was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila.
According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang urged Washington to properly manage differences and address Beijing’s concerns while the two sides prepared for the next round of high-level exchanges.
Beijing described the talks as practical, positive and constructive, saying both countries agreed to continue preparations for future engagements between senior officials.
The meeting came days after US President Donald Trump accused China of interfering in US elections, an allegation that Beijing rejected.
Rubio said a proposed US arms sale to Taiwan remained under internal review, citing the need to assess American military stockpiles and existing defense commitments.
China has consistently opposed US arms sales to Taiwan, which it considers part of its territory under the one-China principle.
Xi is expected to visit the United States in September as Beijing and Washington seek to maintain dialogue despite ongoing disagreements over Taiwan, security and other strategic issues.