Trump taps Tubio as new Secretary of State, shifts focus to China
Donald Trump appointed Marco Rubio as the U.S. Secretary of State, a move that could change the priorities of American foreign policy. The senator aims to shift Washington's focus from Ukraine towards China. "The future of the 21st century is going to largely be defined by what happens in the Indo-Pacific," he emphasizes.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday the nomination of Marco Rubio for the position of Secretary of State. Rubio, a senator from Florida, is known for his tough stance on China, Cuba, and Iran. His nomination may signal a shift in U.S. policy, placing greater emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region.
Rubio, the Senate Intelligence Committee vice-chair, has long criticized China and the TikTok app. As Secretary of State, he plans to implement Trump's agenda, prioritizing America's interests. "We will deliver peace through strength," Rubio wrote on Platform X.
Rubio to lead the State Department
Senator Rubio, born in Miami to Cuban immigrant parents, is a critic of the regime in Cuba and supports Taiwan against China. His foreign policy also includes backing Israel in its fight against regional Islamist movements.
Rubio shares Trump's views regarding Ukraine, believing that the U.S. should be pragmatic and avoid excessive military spending. "The future of the 21st century is going to largely be defined by what happens in the Indo-Pacific," the senator stated last week. "And I think China would love for us to be bogged down in Europe in a conflict and not focused on what’s happening in the Indo-Pacific."
Rubio's nomination could affect U.S. relations with Ukraine, as the senator suggests the conflict is at a "stalemate." His approach may imply less U.S. involvement in the region in favour of countering China's growth. "We do want to see that conflict end, and it’s going to require some very difficult choices," he said about the war in Ukraine on November 7th.
