Rubio, Wang Yi manage US-China great power rivalry in Munich even as core tensions linger
South China Morning Post
by Finbarr Bermingham,Fan Chen,Seong Hyeon ChoiFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US and China made efforts to manage their great power competition during a significant international summit in Munich. At the Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the need to carefully navigate their differences, signaling a cautious thaw in relations amid ongoing global tensions. Despite their diplomatic exchanges, both leaders emphasized the importance of managing superpower rivalries to avoid escalation.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical rivalry between the two nations, with issues like Taiwan and economic competition dominating discussions. While Rubio and Wang Yi expressed a desire for cooperation on shared challenges such as climate change and terrorism, their remarks also reflected underlying tensions. Rubio criticized China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific, while Wang Yi countered by highlighting US policies in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East. Despite these barbs, both leaders acknowledged the need to maintain dialogue to prevent further escalation.
This summit underscores the broader shift in global power dynamics, with the US and China increasingly competing for influence on the world stage. Their interactions at Munich reflect a delicate balance between strategic competition and cautious diplomacy. As two of the world’s largest economies and military powers, their relationship will continue to shape global stability and economic growth. While progress remains slow and fragile, the summit highlights the importance of ongoing communication in managing one of the most critical bilateral relationships in international affairs.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/14/2026