Senator Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican and President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of State, delivered a pointed statement to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday. In his confirmation hearing, Rubio expressed significant concerns about the United States' economic dependence on China, highlighting the need for a strategic shift in foreign policy. He underscored the challenges posed by China's ascent to global superpower status, urging a departure from reliance on Chinese goods and services.
Rubio's comments came during a broader discussion about foreign policy, where he addressed fellow senators with urgency. He illustrated the extent of American dependence by citing examples such as blood pressure medicine and entertainment, pointing out that these are just a few areas where the U.S. heavily relies on China.
"Everything from the blood pressure medicine we take to what movies we get to watch and everything in between, we will depend on China for it." – Sen. Marco Rubio
Rubio accused China of employing deceitful tactics, including lying, cheating, hacking, and stealing, to bolster its position as a global superpower. These actions, according to Rubio, necessitate a recalibration of U.S. foreign policy to ensure national safety, strength, and prosperity. He emphasized the importance of devising strategies that would mitigate the risks associated with this dependency.
The senator's remarks highlighted an imperative for the United States to redefine its economic and diplomatic relationships with China. By doing so, Rubio believes the U.S. can chart a course towards greater self-reliance and security.