• Marco Rubio emphasizes the need for open and constructive communication with China.
• The call is a follow-up to a previous meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
• Discussions come amid heightened tensions involving global trade and military posturing.
• Rubio is known for his tough stance on China and seeks dialogue despite ongoing tariffs.
• The U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day truce on tariffs earlier this year.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of "open and constructive communication" on various bilateral issues. This dialogue is a continuation of prior discussions held during their meeting in Malaysia on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in July, which both sides termed positive and constructive despite existing tensions over tariffs, according to Channel News Asia, Anadolu Agency, and Dawn.

This phone call occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions, notably after a significant military parade in Beijing involving leaders from Russia and North Korea. Rubio described his engagements with Wang as essential for maintaining dialogue amidst concerns over U.S.-China relations, illustrating the complexities of current geopolitical dynamics, according to Channel News Asia, Anadolu Agency, and Dawn.

Rubio, known for his previously tough stance on China, continues to advocate for dialogue as a means to address ongoing global trade barriers heightened during Trump's presidency. The Secretary highlighted how these barriers particularly challenge China's export-driven economy, noting a recent agreement to extend a truce on tariffs between the two nations, as well as Trump's strategies concerning tariffs aimed at China, as reported by Channel News Asia, Anadolu Agency, and Dawn.