Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Rubio Defends Trump’s Planned Meeting With Xi
Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump’s plan to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He said the United States and China are very important countries that need to keep talking.
The countries disagree about trade, security, technology, and supplies of important materials.
Rubio said talking does not mean the two governments agree with each other.
He compared the discussions to contacts between the United States and Russia during the Cold War.
The meeting is expected to include many important subjects, but officials have not released a detailed agenda.
Trade officials from both countries are already holding discussions.
The United States is also working with Japan and South Korea to make supply chains safer and less dependent on one source.
The leaders may meet again at international gatherings later this year.
Marco Rubio said the United States and China must maintain high-level communication despite major disagreements.
Rubio said the relationship between the two countries will help define the 21st century.
Key disputes include trade, supply chains, critical minerals, security, and technology-related industrial ties.
Rubio said President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping would hold a frank discussion without announcing a fixed agenda.
The United States is also working with Japan and South Korea to diversify supply chains for minerals, pharmaceuticals, and other goods.
- Who
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- What
- Trump is preparing to host Xi for high-level talks on the United States-China relationship and related disputes.
- When
- The discussion occurred during the United Nations General Assembly; additional meetings could take place later this year at APEC and the G20.
- Where
- The planned meeting is in Washington, while the remarks were made during the United Nations General Assembly.
- Why
- Rubio said leaders of the world’s two largest economies must communicate despite disagreements over trade, supply chains, critical minerals, and security.
Supporters of Engagement
Critics of the Welcome
High-level talks
Supporters of Engagement
Marco Rubio said avoiding direct communication between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies would be irresponsible, even amid major disagreements.
Critics of the Welcome
Critics questioned the planned welcome for Xi, although the articles do not identify specific critics or detail their arguments.
- Main issue
- Whether President Donald Trump should host Chinese President Xi Jinping despite tensions between the United States and China.
- U.S. position
- Marco Rubio said engagement is necessary and does not mean the countries agree.
- Disputed areas
- Trade, supply chains, critical minerals, security, and commercial and military-industrial ties involving Iran and Russia.
- Trade discussions
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met Chinese officials to discuss trade issues.
- Supply-chain strategy
- The United States plans to continue working with other countries to diversify supplies, including minerals and pharmaceuticals.
- International partners
- The United States has held recent meetings with Japan and South Korea about secure supply chains.
- Potential future meetings
- Trump and Xi could also meet later this year at APEC in China and the G20 in Florida.