Rubio described the meeting as “constructive” and that the two nations can learn to manage their differences while exploring areas of cooperation.

The two major powers vied to push their agendas in Asia at a time of simmering tension over a U.S. trade tariffs offensive.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, the State Department said, their first in-person meeting at a time of simmering trade tensions between the two major powers.