Washington: U.S. Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio on Wednesday condemned the actions of "rogue states" and "dictators" in North Korea, Russia, and Iran, accusing them of causing "chaos" and "instability." Rubio also criticized China for allegedly "lying, cheating, and stealing" its way to global superpower status at the expense of the United States.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during his confirmation hearing at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Florida senator affirmed his support for incoming President Donald Trump's America First agenda. Rubio stressed that prioritizing America's interests has never been more crucial. Trump nominated Rubio in November to be his top diplomat amidst numerous foreign policy challenges, including tensions with China, Russia's conflict in Ukraine, and North Korea's security threats.
Rubio highlighted the disruptive roles of Moscow, Tehran, and Pyongyang, accusing them of funding radical terror groups and leveraging their U.N. Security Council veto power or nuclear threats. He expressed a hard-line stance on China, indicating that Sino-U.S. tensions may escalate during Trump's second term. Rubio criticized the Chinese Communist Party for exploiting global order benefits while ignoring obligations and responsibilities, impacting both the U.S. and Chinese citizens.
Addressing the Taiwan issue, Rubio voiced concerns over China's potential invasion of the island, advocating for a strategic equilibrium to deter intervention. On NATO, he remarked that member states should contribute more to their defense, aligning with Trump's proposal for increased defense spending. Rubio emphasized the need for capable allies within NATO to ensure regional security, while acknowledging the alliance's significance.
Regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, Rubio called for its resolution through "bold" diplomacy, suggesting concessions from both Russia and Ukraine. He criticized the postwar global order as obsolete and manipulated against America, urging a reassessment of U.S. policies to confront geopolitical instability. Rubio emphasized the necessity of aligning American policies with Trump's America First principles to ensure safety, strength, and prosperity for the nation.