“China wants to become the most powerful country in the world, and they want to do so at our expense,” said Secretary Marco Rubio in a recent press interview. “Obviously, we are Americans; we’re not going to allow that to happen.”
At the same time, the U.S. and China have the two most powerful economies and the two most powerful militaries in the world, noted Secretary Rubio. “And I think it’s important . . . for the two most powerful countries in the world, have to have a relationship . . . to have the ability to speak to one another and try to deconflict where possible, [or] it could lead to some really bad things.”
The relationship between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping is foundational. It is a relationship of mutual respect, said Secretary Rubio. These two presidents must have the ability speak to one another. “I think it’s almost irresponsible . . . to not have direct communications with the Chinese.”
While we want stability in our relationship, both sides recognize that there are areas where we’re not going to agree, where we’re going to have to compete, noted Secretary Rubio. “Now, there are areas we can work together. . . . But I think there’s going to be a lot of areas of friction and competition, and we have to manage that at the same time as we have to have a relationship with [China]. But we always have to look out for what’s best for America.”
Secretary Rubio reiterated the U.S. position regarding Taiwan: “we don’t support any change to the current status quo that exists there right now. We would be against any sort of compelled or coerced change in status. That point was made very clear in our meetings with the Chinese.”
“It’s part of that delicate balancing act,” explained Secretary Rubio. Because any conflict between the U.S. and China, be it economic or be it military would be catastrophic for both countries and for the world. “So, we have to manage that,” said, Secretary Rubio, “but we can’t walk away or forfeit our national interests.” So, this is the hard work of foreign policy, and the Trump administration will continue to balance these competing interests.