US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Washington administration plans to undertake efforts in the coming weeks to assess prospects for resuming peace talks to end the conflict in Ukraine, stating President Trump has instructed his team to pursue opportunities for peace.
US Undersecretary Jacob Helberg commits to the Philippines that the Pax Silica Industrial Hub, part of a US-led AI supply chain initiative, will not erode Manila's sovereignty, despite concerns over job creation, farming community displacement, and environmental impact.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian, Chinese, and Australian foreign ministers in Manila, discussing efforts to end the Ukraine war, escalating conflict with Iran, and rising tensions in the South China Sea, emphasizing the need for new diplomatic ideas.
US diplomat Rubio stated that President Trump allowed a national emergency declaration on Hong Kong to expire last week, citing "changed circumstances" without further detail. Rubio also clarified that there was no easing of sanctions, as the conditions for some elements no longer existed. The emergency order was issued in July 2020 after Beijing imposed a national security law.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met for 35 minutes at the ASEAN summit in Manila, their first talks since September 2025. They discussed Ukraine, bilateral ties, and the Persian Gulf. Russia reiterated its peace terms, while the US called for new proposals, noting Kiev rejected prior ones, highlighting stalled peace efforts.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held over half an hour of talks in Manila, initiated by the US. Discussions covered the Ukraine conflict, arms supplies, diplomatic mission conditions, and regional issues. Both sides agreed to continue contacts.
New UK Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh faces immediate pressure from climate activists to halt new North Sea oil and gas drilling, particularly at the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields. Her appointment, following Ed Miliband, signals a continuation of decarbonization efforts, despite internal party and trade union lobbying for new fossil fuel expansion.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting in Manila, initiated by the United States, on the sidelines of ASEAN events. Journalists were briefly present for the opening of the talks.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held their first in-person talks since September 2025 on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Manila. The 35-minute meeting, requested by the US, aimed to revive stalled peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, but no breakthroughs were reported.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are scheduled to meet on July 23 in the Philippines during ASEAN ministerial events. The agenda includes discussing US President Donald Trump's statements regarding a swift resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio encouraged South Korea and other allies to join efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the benefits of protecting crucial oil and natural gas supplies. This follows reports of a U.S. request to Seoul, which South Korea's presidential office is considering for "practical" contributions.
Top Chinese and American diplomats, Wang Yi and Daniel Kritenbrink, met in the Philippines to discuss President Xi Jinping's planned US trip and the South China Sea dispute. Wang described the meeting as "pragmatic, positive and constructive," urging "strategic stability" and "peaceful coexistence" despite acknowledged differences.
Nicaragua's congress, controlled by President Daniel Ortega, announced a work plan to implement his order to abolish elections. This move, following a constitutional change extending his term, has been strongly condemned by the UN and the US, who call for a restoration of democracy.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in Manila that Iran has approached Washington for negotiations to resolve their armed conflict, but the US views Iran as not serious. This comes after a memorandum for cessation of hostilities was signed in June, followed by renewed US strikes in July.
Marco Rubio said the United States is willing to negotiate with Iran, but only if Tehran is serious about talks. He also warned against Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz as US strikes on Iran continued for an 11th night.
US Undersecretary Jacob Helberg discusses Washington's strategy to reduce dependence on China for rare earths and AI technology by rallying allies and securing alternative supply chains, citing past Chinese export controls that impacted allies like Japan and Europe.
Former US President Trump stated he would discuss alleged past election interference with China, noting it's 'not a one-way street.' This comes as US Senator Rubio is set to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Yi in the Philippines, following Trump's recent accusation of China compromising over 200 million US voter records.
Louise Haigh, who resigned as Transport Secretary in November 2024 after a fraud conviction from her twenties emerged, has been brought back into government by Andy Burnham. She will serve as First Secretary of State and head the Cabinet Office, cementing her senior role after supporting Burnham's political rise.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the ASEAN summit in Southeast Asia, reaffirming U.S. support for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea amid rising tensions with China and global threats from Middle East conflicts and Myanmar's civil war, impacting energy supplies and regional stability.
Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov stated that escalating strikes inside Russia will lead to further destruction of Ukraine's economy and industry. He questioned the US stance, citing conflicting messages from figures like Marco Rubio and Donald Trump regarding peace and support for such strikes.
President Donald Trump has dismissed the last two commissioners of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), an independent federal agency overseeing election security. The move, criticized by Democrats and election officials as "irresponsible and dangerous," occurred months before the 2026 midterm elections, potentially disrupting election administration.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with US Senator Marco Rubio, emphasizing the importance of stable bilateral ties for both nations and the global community. Wang called for concrete actions, increased cooperation, and risk management to improve the relationship.
Chinese official Wang told US Senator Rubio on Tuesday that constructive and strategically stable ties are in the interests of both countries and the international community, urging action to remove interference and overcome obstacles for a correct path forward.
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are developing distinct approaches to President Trump's national security agenda, potentially signaling a 2028 presidential rivalry. While publicly deferential, their differing views on the Middle East, particularly Iran and Israel, suggest underlying policy divergences.
