In his opening remarks at the Senate confirmation hearing, Marco Rubio, the nominee for secretary of state under President-elect Donald Trump, emphasized that the top priority for the Department of State must be the United States. Rubio stated that the direction given by the president-elect for foreign policy is clear, focusing on making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
Rubio highlighted concerns about mass migration and China, criticizing the post-Cold War approach to foreign policy as a 'dangerous delusion.' He accused China of taking advantage of the global order while neglecting its obligations, citing instances of lying, cheating, hacking, and stealing to achieve global superpower status.
Furthermore, Rubio expressed alarm over despots and narco-terrorists exploiting open borders in the hemisphere, leading to issues such as human trafficking and drug trafficking. He also pointed out the destabilizing actions of dictators in Moscow, Tehran, and Pyongyang, who align with radical terror groups and pose threats to global security.
Rubio warned that these factors have brought the world to a critical moment of geopolitical instability and a potential global crisis. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Senate Intelligence Committees, Rubio is expected to be confirmed for the role of secretary of state, with support from some Democrats.
His remarks underscore a shift towards a more America-centric foreign policy agenda, prioritizing national interests over the global order. Rubio's stance reflects a tougher stance on China and a focus on addressing security threats posed by various actors around the world.
