US Secretary of State: "No Change in Taiwan Policy... Still Consistent"

Secretary Rubio's Interview with NBC

Mark Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, who accompanied U.S. President Donald Trump on his visit to China, stated on the 14th that there has been no change in the United States' Taiwan policy.

Mark Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State (center), attending the Korea-U.S.-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

During an interview with NBC in Beijing, following the meeting between President Trump and President Xi, Secretary Rubio said, "Our policy (toward Taiwan) has not changed," adding, "It has been quite consistent across multiple U.S. administrations and remains consistent now."

Secretary Rubio somewhat ambiguously mentioned that the issue of arms sales to Taiwan was not a major agenda item during the talks between President Trump and President Xi. There had been expectations that President Xi would demand at least a postponement of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan during this meeting. The reason the U.S. does not negotiate arms sales to Taiwan with China is that the 'Six Assurances' to Taiwan include this commitment.

Secretary Rubio also warned, "From our perspective, any coercive change of the status quo would be detrimental to both countries." This is interpreted as a warning regarding the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Previously, President Xi had sent a strong message to President Trump during their talks, saying that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead to a clash between the U.S. and China.

Secretary Rubio reported that President Trump raised the issue of the detention of pro-democracy Hong Kong media owner Jimmy Lai with President Xi. When asked whether Lai could come to the United States if released, Secretary Rubio replied, "We are open to any option as long as he gains his freedom."

Secretary Rubio stated that the leaders of the U.S. and China agreed that the Strait of Hormuz should not be militarized, and asserted that President Trump did not ask President Xi for assistance. Secretary Rubio said, "The Chinese side expressed opposition to the militarization and toll system in the Strait of Hormuz, and so did we."

However, he emphasized, "President Trump did not request anything from President Xi. We are not asking for China's help. We do not need their assistance."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.