U.S. intends to keep channels of communication with China open

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, held a pragmatic conversation on the sidelines of ASEAN events in Kuala Lumpur, the State Department’s Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

"Secretary Rubio emphasized the importance of keeping channels of communication open," Tammy Bruce said.

According to her, the discussion was constructive and pragmatic. The sides agreed to explore areas of potential cooperation, while seeking to manage differences.

"The Secretary emphasized the need for continued discussion on a range of bilateral issues. The Secretary also raised other issues of regional and global importance," Tammy Bruce said.

The meeting in Kuala Lumpur marked the two top diplomats’ first in-person talks. Rubio himself described the negotiation as "constructive and positive".