Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Rubio Meets Asian Allies Ahead of Trump-Xi White House Summit
Marco Rubio met the foreign ministers of Japan and South Korea in New York.
This happened before President Donald Trump plans to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Japan and South Korea want to understand what Trump might discuss with China.
They are worried that changes involving Taiwan or trade could affect their safety and ability to compete.
The United States said it remains committed to defending Japan and South Korea.
The three countries also supported Taiwan’s participation in suitable international organizations.
They agreed to cooperate more closely on economic security, technology and supply chains.
South Korea and the United States are discussing a $350 billion investment package.
A South Korean opposition lawmaker said lawmakers should examine the package because energy negotiations could create large financial risks.
Marco Rubio met the foreign ministers of Japan and South Korea in New York before President Donald Trump’s summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The United States, Japan and South Korea reaffirmed defense commitments, Taiwan-related cooperation and opposition to economic coercion and supply-chain disruptions.
Analysts said Japan and South Korea fear trade or Taiwan concessions to China could weaken their security interests and competitiveness.
The three countries launched a trilateral consultation mechanism focused on economic security, supply chains and critical technologies.
South Korea and the United States are negotiating a $350 billion investment package, while an opposition lawmaker called for parliamentary scrutiny over potential financial risks.
- Who
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, US President Donald Trump, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
- What
- Rubio met Japan’s and South Korea’s foreign ministers, while the three countries reaffirmed security and economic cooperation before the Trump-Xi summit.
- When
- The ministerial meeting took place on Monday, September 21; Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet on Thursday, and the three leaders are scheduled to speak at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday.
- Where
- The ministerial meeting took place at a hotel in New York; the Trump-Xi summit is scheduled for the White House in Washington.
- Why
- The meeting addressed allied concerns about possible US-China decisions on Taiwan and trade, while strengthening cooperation on defense, economic security and supply chains.
Allied Concerns and Oversight
Security Assurances and Economic Engagement
Possible US-China concessions
Allied Concerns and Oversight
Analysts and US allies are concerned that concessions to China on Taiwan or trade could weaken allied security interests and competitiveness.
Security Assurances and Economic Engagement
The Trump-Xi summit is intended to pursue an economic outcome with Beijing, while the United States has reaffirmed its defense commitments to Japan and South Korea.
South Korean investment package
Allied Concerns and Oversight
A South Korean opposition lawmaker wants parliamentary scrutiny, warning that energy-project negotiations could leave South Korea with disproportionate financial risks.
Security Assurances and Economic Engagement
The South Korean and US governments are continuing negotiations on the $350 billion investment package under last year’s trade agreement.
- Ministerial meeting
- Marco Rubio met Cho Hyun and Toshimitsu Motegi in New York on Monday.
- Trump-Xi summit
- Donald Trump is scheduled to host Xi Jinping at the White House in Washington on Thursday.
- Defense commitment
- The United States reaffirmed its commitments to defend Japan and South Korea, including extended deterrence commitments.
- Taiwan
- The three countries emphasized peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations.
- Economic cooperation
- The countries launched a trilateral consultation mechanism on economic security, including supply chains and critical technologies.
- South Korean investment package
- South Korea and the United States are negotiating a $350 billion investment package under a trade deal reached last year.
- Parliamentary scrutiny
- A South Korean opposition lawmaker warned that energy-project negotiations could create disproportionate financial risks for South Korea.