Rubio: U.S. Policy on Taiwan Remains Unchanged, Li Zhiying Case Mentioned

File photo: Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily and one of Hong Kong’s leading pro-democracy activists. (Song Bilong / Dajiyuan)

[People News] According to Radio France Internationale (RFI), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in an interview with NBC on Thursday (May 14) following the Trump-Xi summit that the Trump administration's policy regarding Taiwan has not changed. He cautioned that if the Chinese Communist Party were to forcibly seize Taiwan through military or similar means, it would constitute 'an extremely serious mistake.'

Prior to his trip to China, Trump's comments had raised concerns among Taiwan supporters, as he indicated he would discuss U.S. arms sales to Taiwan with Xi Jinping. Rubio noted that during the discussions between Trump and Xi on Thursday, U.S. arms sales to Taiwan were not a focal point of the conversation.'

Rubio remarked, 'From our perspective, any action that forcibly alters the status quo in the Taiwan Strait would be detrimental to both nations.'

'We have consistently reiterated this point, and we have heard the Chinese side express similar sentiments. Our response has always been: any action that forcibly changes the status quo is problematic; our policy in this regard has never wavered; previous presidents have maintained a relatively consistent stance, and that remains true today.'

Rubio emphasised, 'As of today, during the meeting we are holding here, the U.S. policy on Taiwan has not changed; they (the Chinese side) always raise this issue, and we consistently clarify our position before moving on to other topics. We are aware of our stance, and I believe they are also aware of theirs.'

When reporters asked whether he believes the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) intends to invade Taiwan, Rubio responded, "We believe that forcibly advancing this issue through military or similar means would be an extremely serious mistake."

Rubio added, "Such actions would have global repercussions, not just for the United States."

When the host inquired, "Don't you think the CCP is strengthening its military in preparation for actions in Taiwan?" Rubio replied, "I believe they are significantly enhancing their military capabilities. The pace of development of the CCP's military over the past decade has been unprecedented. Absolutely. Just looking at their naval investments over the past ten years, they have poured in billions of dollars."

"Therefore, it is hard to overlook the rapid pace and vast scale of their expansion. I believe this is not confined to Taiwan. Their ultimate goal seems to be to project power globally, similar to what the United States does now. While they currently lag behind us in this area, it is undeniable that they are investing heavily."

Additionally, Rubio disclosed that Trump had asked Xi Jinping about the 78-year-old Jimmy Lai (Li Zhiying). Rubio stated, "The president frequently brings up this case along with several others, and we certainly hope for a positive response."

Rubio did not directly address whether Lai could travel to the United States if released by the CCP authorities. He stated, "As long as it leads to his freedom, we are open to any arrangements that would be beneficial to him." 
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