KABUL: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the strategic management of the “complex and highly challenging” relationship between Washington and Beijing is of vital importance to the United States.
Fox News reported Thursday, citing Rubio, that the top American diplomat described China as both the United States’ “biggest geopolitical challenge” and its most important relationship to manage.
Asked whether he considers China America’s greatest geopolitical rival, Rubio responded: “Yes.”
“Our interests will conflict in some areas,” Rubio said. “To prevent wars and preserve peace and stability in the world, we must manage those differences.”
Rubio also expressed hope that Beijing would play a more active role in resolving the Iran crisis following talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The remarks came as Trump arrived in China on Wednesday for a three-day visit.
According to published reports, the U.S. president is expected to meet Xi on Thursday to discuss key issues dividing the two global powers, including Iran, trade, and Taiwan.