Marco Rubio, Wang Yi hold talks ahead of expected meeting between Trump, Xi

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Manila on Wednesday, as both countries sought to manage tensions ahead of an expected meeting between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping.

Speaking after the talks, Rubio said the two countries have "great differences" that are likely to continue "for the foreseeable future", but added they discussed ways to manage those disagreements ahead of Xi's expected visit to the United States in September.

According to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang said the US must “respect China’s core interests … effectively manage differences and disagreements, and address China’s legitimate concerns”.

The ministry described the meeting as “pragmatic, positive and constructive”.

The meeting came days after a confrontation between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea, which left a Philippine sailor injured.

Rubio said the incident benefited nobody and reaffirmed Washington's support for the Philippines.

“We intend to live up to our treaty obligations, and I think we’ve done so, and will continue to do so,” he said.

Rubio also highlighted the importance of US ties with Southeast Asia, saying: “I believe very much that the future and the story of the 21st century will be written in this region and by how events unfold here.”