Rubio Expresses Concern Over China's Actions in Taiwan and South China Sea, Reaffirms US Commitment to Allies in First Call with Wang Yi

Jan 24, 2025, 05:08 PM

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday, marking the first formal discussion between the two since the start of the new Trump administration. Rubio expressed 'serious concern' over China's coercive actions against Taiwan and in the South China Sea. He reaffirmed the United States' commitment to its allies in the region and emphasized that the US does not support 'Taiwan independence', hoping for a peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue acceptable to both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Rubio also highlighted the importance of managing bilateral relations maturely and rigorously to maintain world peace and stability. In response, Wang Yi stated that China does not intend to surpass or replace the US but must defend its legitimate right to development. He stressed China's principled stance on Taiwan, asserting that it has been part of China since ancient times and will not allow Taiwan to be separated from China. Wang urged Rubio to make constructive decisions for the future of both nations and the world's peace and stability.