Rubio says US and China must maintain high-level dialogue despite tensions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended plans for a welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying the United States and China should continue high-level dialogue despite deep disagreements. Speaking to reporters at the United Nations on Wednesday, hours before Xi was expected to arrive in Washington, Rubio said it would be irresponsible for the world’s two largest economies to avoid talks at the highest level. Rubio was responding to criticism from Republican Senator Roger Wicker, who had opposed inviting the Chinese leader for what he described as a lavish visit.

The secretary of state was asked about Wicker’s position during the briefing. Rubio’s comments presented the planned engagement as necessary because of the importance of the relationship between Washington and Beijing. His argument, as reported by the South China Morning Post, was that disagreement should not prevent direct communication between the two governments.

The source material does not provide further details about the visit’s agenda, its duration or the specific disputes between the countries. It also does not say whether Wicker responded to Rubio’s defence. The immediate focus of Rubio’s remarks was the value of maintaining contact at the highest political level, even amid tensions.