Washington’s policy on Taiwan remains unchanged, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday during a state visit to China. Rubio, traveling with President Donald Trump, told NBC News that any Chinese attempt to alter the status‑quo on the island would be “a terrible mistake” and would trigger global repercussions.
The comments came as Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that Taiwan is “the most important issue in China‑U.S. relations” and cautioned that mishandling the matter could lead to conflict. While acknowledging Beijing’s preference for a peaceful reunification, Xi has not ruled out the use of force.
Rubio emphasized that the United States continues to adhere to its long‑standing principle of strategic ambiguity – it does not explicitly state whether it would intervene militarily to defend Taiwan. He said this approach has been consistent across multiple presidential administrations and remains the policy today. The secretary noted that the United States “knows where they stand, and I think they know where we stand,” underscoring that Washington’s position has not shifted.
On the prospect of Beijing seizing the self‑governing island, Rubio warned that forceful action would be “a terrible mistake” and would carry consequences beyond the United States. He added that China would likely prefer a voluntary reunification, perhaps through a referendum, rather than coercion.
The issue of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan did not dominate the bilateral talks, Rubio said. He indicated that future weapons shipments will depend largely on decisions made by the U.S. Congress.
China regards Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory, a stance shared by the majority of countries, including Russia. While the United States acknowledges Beijing’s “One China” policy, it maintains a strong, unofficial relationship with Taiwan, providing defensive capabilities and diplomatic support.
The remarks arrive amid broader discussions between Washington and Beijing on trade, the war in Ukraine, and competition in artificial intelligence. Both sides appear to be navigating a delicate balance: addressing contentious issues while avoiding direct confrontation.
Rubio’s statement reinforces the United States’ commitment to the status‑quo in the Taiwan Strait and signals to Beijing that any attempt to change it by force would meet coordinated international pushback. The next round of high‑level talks will likely explore how to manage these tensions while pursuing cooperation in other strategic areas.
