Trump adopts softer stance on China election meddling ahead of Rubio-Wang meeting

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Manila on Wednesday, as President Donald Trump appeared to take a less confrontational approach to allegations of Chinese interference in the 2020 US election. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump said the US would raise the issue with Beijing but downplayed the need for retaliation. He noted that the alleged interference happened "a long time ago" and that China might be "a little bit different today than it was then." The comments mark a shift from the Trump administration's earlier strong rhetoric on China. The meeting between Rubio and Wang comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries over trade, technology, and regional security. The US has previously accused China of attempting to influence the 2020 election in favor of Trump, allegations that Beijing has repeatedly denied. While Trump did not specify what actions Washington might take, his remarks suggest a willingness to engage diplomatically rather than escalate punitive measures. The Manila talks are expected to cover a range of bilateral and global issues, including the South China Sea and Taiwan. Analysts see Trump's softer tone as a tactical move ahead of negotiations. The meeting underscores the complex relationship between the world's two largest economies.