Dear Focus reader,

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference today — at least the second in-person encounter between the two — as both governments attempt to stabilize the relationship ahead of a possible Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing in early April.

Rubio raised concerns over China's support for Russia's defense industrial base, tensions in the South China Sea, and continued military pressure on Taiwan. He reiterated that Washington seeks "responsibly managed competition" and open channels of communication, while emphasizing that U.S. commitments to allies in the Indo-Pacific remain firm.

China's Foreign Ministry described the meeting as "frank and in-depth," with Wang warning that the United States must "stop containing and suppressing China's development" and "handle the Taiwan question prudently." He also reiterated that China views the relationship as entering a "critical period," urging Washington to meet China "halfway."

Both sides signaled interest in keeping communication channels open, including between defense officials, amid renewed friction over nuclear and arms control issues. The expiration of New START on February 5 has added urgency to discussions in Munich about strategic stability, with Washington advocating for a broader framework that includes China.

Meanwhile, Beijing has also pushed back more broadly on U.S. nuclear policy. Chinese officials have reiterated China's longstanding "no first use" doctrine and argued that Washington, not Beijing, bears primary responsibility for restarting arms control talks given the size of the U.S. arsenal.

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