As Secretary of State Marco Rubio steps into his role under President Donald Trump, he’s sending a crystal-clear message to China: America must come first. In his inaugural call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Rubio didn’t mince words about the Trump administration’s intent to advance U.S. interests and prioritize the American people in its dealings with China. This strong stance marks a significant pivot from previous administrations, emphasizing that the era of China walking all over us is over.
During the call, as detailed by spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to its allies, particularly expressing serious concerns over China’s aggressive maneuvers in Taiwan and the South China Sea. These are not just regional issues; they are a matter of global security and stability, and the U.S. is firmly on the watch.
Wang’s response to Rubio’s assertiveness was telling. He urged the new Secretary of State to “play a constructive role in the future of the Chinese and American people and in world peace and stability.” This diplomatic nicety masks the underlying tension between the two superpowers, especially as President Trump has already set the stage with his direct threats of imposing 10% tariffs on Chinese imports due to China’s role in fentanyl trafficking—a move set to commence as early as February 1.
Rubio’s confirmation hearing was a foretaste of this tough stance, where he labeled China as the gravest threat to U.S. national security. It’s a stark reminder that under Trump 2.0, the gloves are off. The administration is demanding nothing less than fairness and a level playing field, echoing Trump’s own words to the World Economic Forum: “We just want fairness. We just want a level playing field.”
It’s high time America stood firm against Beijing’s economic coercion and military bravado. With Rubio at the helm of foreign policy, and Trump back in office, we’re finally in a position to dictate terms that protect American interests first and foremost. This is more than diplomacy—it’s about safeguarding our nation’s future. America must lead, not appease, and with leaders like Rubio and Trump, we’re on the right track to putting America first and keeping it there.
