Rubio open to meetings with Chinese, Russian FMs during ASEAN talks

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would be open to meeting with his Chinese and Russian counterparts during his visit to the Philippines this week for a gathering of Southeast Asian foreign ministers.

Rubio’s participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings in Manila comes as Washington seeks to strengthen its engagement in the region amid concerns over China’s expanding influence, and days after U.S. President Donald Trump accused Beijing of interfering in American elections, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Asked by reporters whether meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi or Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov were being arranged, Rubio said the United States was open to discussions.

"We'd be open to meeting with them," Rubio said.

"I would never tell you guys in a press conference what we would raise in meetings like that. Those are delicate matters," he added.

Rubio is visiting the Philippines from July 19 to 23 to attend ASEAN-related events. The Philippines, which holds the chairmanship of the 11-member regional bloc this year, is hosting the three-day talks in Manila.

Lavrov is scheduled to make a working visit to the Philippines from July 21 to 23, during which he is expected to present Russia’s assessment of developments in the Asia-Pacific region.

By Sabina Mammadli