Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, who has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for the position of secretary of state, emphasized his commitment to maintaining the longstanding US policy towards Taiwan during his Senate confirmation hearing. Rubio highlighted his role as the lead Republican sponsor in reauthorizing the Taiwan Relations Act, a key legislation governing US-Taiwan relations.
He underscored that multiple US presidential administrations, spanning both parties, have consistently upheld the policies outlined in the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. These policies, reaffirmed by the Trump administration and now the incoming Biden administration, form the cornerstone of US-Taiwan relations.
Rubio expressed support for a deterrence strategy aimed at preventing a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, emphasizing the strategic importance of the issue. He noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping views Taiwan as a critical matter, indicating the need for the US to anticipate and address potential challenges in the region.
Despite not having official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the US maintains a robust unofficial relationship with the island nation and provides it with defensive weaponry. The US adheres to the 'One China' policy, recognizing China's stance that Taiwan is a part of its territory, while refraining from formal recognition of China's claims over Taiwan.
