U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says that the United States urgently needs strategic guidance in managing its complex relationship with China. He described China as the “primary geopolitical adversary” of the U.S., but added that it is the most important relationship Washington must manage.
In an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Rubio said that the interests of the two countries will conflict in some areas, and these differences must be managed to prevent war and maintain global peace and stability.
He also mentioned, in another part of the interview aboard the U.S. presidential plane, the need to pressure China to play a role in curbing tensions related to the Iranian government in the Persian Gulf, noting that recent incidents in the region, including damage to a Chinese cargo ship, indicate a high level of instability.
Rubio further stated that China economically depends on the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz; otherwise, demand for Chinese products would decrease and the country’s exports would sharply decline.
He added that the United States hopes China will play a more active role in efforts to persuade the Iranian government to refrain from its actions in the Persian Gulf region.
Writer:Salima Hakimi
