US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held their first face-to-face talks in Malaysia, amid ongoing tensions between the US and China over trade and security. The talks took place at a time when both countries are seeking to dial down trade tensions, following a 90-day truce in the tariff war. This comes after President Donald Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping by phone last month, marking their first conversation during Trump's nonconsecutive second term.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250711/p2g/00m/0in/019000cUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as part of ASEAN talks, where trade disputes and Taiwan are prominent concerns. Rubio, a China hawk, aims to placate Asian trade partners amid US tariffs on over 20 countries, including Japan and South Korea, which face levies ranging from 20-50%. The meeting comes as tensions between Washington and Beijing escalate, with both sides vying for influence in the region. Rubio has sought to reassure allies of a commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, while Wang accuses US tariffs of undermining the free trade system.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/rubio-to-meet-chinas-wang-on-sidelines-of-asean-talks/article_14b95c7a-2fbf-57ef-9da1-91a65bb52904.htmlUS Senator Marco Rubio's visit to Asia is part of a broader effort to reorient US focus towards the Indo-Pacific region, amid tensions with China. The US has imposed tariffs on several Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia, while China faces tariffs exceeding 100% until August 12 to avoid additional restrictions. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized the US tariffs as "typical unilateral bullying behavior" that undermines global trade stability. Rubio plans to discuss China's support for Russia in Ukraine with Wang Yi during his visit, which also includes meetings with Japanese and South Korean officials to strengthen regional security and partnerships.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/985184-diplomacy-in-malaysia-intensifies-marco-rubio-prepares-for-key-meeting-with-wang-yiThe defense chiefs of South Korea, Japan, and the US met in Seoul to emphasize the need for strengthened trilateral cooperation to counter threats from North Korea, as well as regional security concerns in the Indo-Pacific area.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/985222-the-battle-for-the-pacific-us-wants-south-korea-to-join-the-fight-against-chinese-shipbuildingThe US State Department is undergoing a significant reorganization, which includes eliminating positions that are currently unfilled or about to become vacant due to early retirements. Critics argue that these cuts will undermine the department's ability to address global challenges and understand complex issues. The American Academy of Diplomacy has expressed concerns that the changes will harm US standing abroad, while the State Department claims it is necessary to streamline bureaucracy and focus on results-driven diplomacy. The reorganization affects over 300 bureaus and offices, including those related to Afghanistan, refugees, immigration, human rights, and democracy promotion.
https://wsvn.com/news/politics/state-department-is-firing-over-1300-employees-under-trump-administration-plan/Indonesia's Foreign Minister, Sugiono, emphasized the importance of maintaining the ASEAN-EU dialogue to address global geopolitical uncertainty. He urged EU countries to provide stronger support for efforts to resolve the conflict in Gaza, citing the erosion of international law and credibility due to the ongoing crisis. The minister highlighted the need for collective action to prevent serious global repercussions.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/365869/asean-eu-partnership-must-be-equal-fair-inclusive-sugionoA Taiwanese delegation will review several bilateral cooperation projects with Paraguay, including the Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park and the Juan Max Boettner National Institute of Respiratory and Environmental Diseases. The delegation will also visit industrial parks, such as the Itaipu hydroelectric power plant, to explore sustainable energy resources and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and data centers. They will meet with representatives from the Paraguayan Industrial Union and attend a presentation on Paraguay's business climate from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
https://en.mercopress.com/2025/07/11/paraguay-reviews-options-regarding-refueling-along-parana-waterway#commentsJapanese, US, and South Korean foreign ministers reaffirmed their unity in addressing North Korea's nuclear threat during a trilateral meeting in Tokyo. The ministers discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and implement United Nations resolutions aimed at denuclearization. Japan's Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized the need for a unified response to North Korea's missile tests, while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement. South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin Hyok also participated in the meeting, highlighting the shared concerns among the three countries regarding North Korea's nuclear program.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250711/p2g/00m/0na/035000cThe US State Department plans to lay off over 1,300 diplomats and civil servants as part of a reorganization plan aimed at streamlining operations. The move has been praised by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but criticized by current and former diplomats who warn it will undermine the country's diplomatic capabilities.
https://www.news18.com/world/us-state-department-to-lay-off-over-1300-employees-heres-why-ws-l-9434836.html