WASHINGTON, Jan 15 (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for secretary of state, cautioned on Wednesday that the United States needed to alter its course to avoid becoming increasingly dependent on China and must do more to dissuade Beijing from invading Taiwan, while vowing to implement a vigorous foreign policy centered on American interests.
The Republican senator, widely expected to secure confirmation as the country's chief diplomat, refrained from outlining specific strategies to deter China, but his statements convey a clear warning about shifts in U.S. policy.
Rubio, 53, tackled key foreign policy matters in a cordial hearing before a committee where he has served for 14 years. He stressed the importance of ending the conflict in Ukraine through mutual concessions, but his strongest emphasis was on the necessity of challenging China. Rubio's confirmation is anticipated to be approved by the full Senate by Jan. 20, Trump's second term inauguration day.
"If we continue on the present path, in less than a decade, nearly everything essential to us will hinge on China's permission. From the medication we take, to the movies we watch, and all the rest, we will rely on China for it," Rubio remarked.
"This is an unacceptable scenario."
Rubio asserted that countering China would involve enhancing U.S. domestic industrial capabilities.
The outgoing Biden administration has taken steps to restrict China's access to semiconductor technology and has maintained certain policies towards China from Trump's initial term, while Trump intends to levy additional tariffs on Chinese goods.
Rubio has been a prominent advocate in Congress for stronger competitive policies. His support for pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong led to Chinese sanctions in 2020, potentially making him the first secretary of state under active Chinese travel restrictions.
He emphasized that Washington must support Taiwan's self-governing island with a strategy to deter a potential Chinese invasion.
Unless significant changes are made in Washington, he warned, there could be a need to address the possibility of a "catastrophic military intervention" in the Indo-Pacific before the decade ends.
Rubio highlighted the chaotic state of the world in his opening remarks, indicating the necessity of a resolute and engaged America prioritizing national interests above all else.
The son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio would be the first Hispanic-origin individual to serve as the top U.S. diplomat.
During his remarks, Rubio was briefly interrupted by a few protesters. One protester spoke in Spanish and referenced Latin American nations that have faced U.S. sanctions, including Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba. "I appreciate bilingual protesters," Rubio joked.
"You are taking on one of the most challenging roles in America. However, having served alongside you for many years, I am confident that you are the right person. We must confront these threats," stated Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the committee.
"I believe you possess the necessary skills and qualifications to serve as Secretary of State," added Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat in foreign relations.
Some other Trump nominees have encountered strong opposition, with even some Republicans requesting more information about former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, chosen for secretary of defense, and former Representative Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for director of national intelligence.
Certain of Trump's ardent supporters viewed Rubio as not aligning with Trump's "America First" strategy. In the 2016 Republican presidential nomination race, Rubio was a rival of Trump's.
However, his stances have recently drawn closer to those of the party leader.
Last year, Rubio was among 15 Republican senators who opposed a significant military aid package to assist Ukraine against Russia, following a vote in favor of aid in 2022. Trump criticized President Biden's military support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Rubio stated to the committee that it should be U.S. policy to end the war, and suggested that a resolution to cease hostilities would require concessions from both Moscow and Kyiv, implying that Ukraine might need to relinquish its ambition of reclaiming all the territory annexed by Moscow over the past decade.