Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States will adhere to its long-standing policy on Taiwan as it strives to maintain strategic stability with China, following a meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In an interview with NBC News on the 13th (local time), Secretary Rubio mentioned that President Xi Jinping reiterated that Taiwan remains the "most important issue" in U.S.-China relations, a position Beijing has consistently maintained.

Secretary Rubio responded by stating that the U.S. opposes any "forced change to the status quo," warning that such a move would destabilize not only the two nations but also the global economy as a whole.

Secretary Rubio emphasized that the U.S. policy on Taiwan "has not changed" and has remained largely consistent across multiple administrations.

While confirming that the Taiwan issue was discussed during the summit, he noted that China's stance on U.S. arms sales to Taiwan was "not a major agenda item" at the meeting.

"The Taiwan issue remains unchanged, just as the discussions we had today," Secretary Rubio added, stating that Washington continues to support strategic stability and open communication with Beijing to avoid miscalculation and greater conflict.

The Secretary of State identified peaceful political unification with Taiwan as China's preferred outcome, but warned that any attempt to force unification through military means would be a "terrible mistake" with global repercussions.

Secretary Rubio also pointed to the rapid modernization of the Chinese military, stating that the pace of Beijing's military buildup over the past decade is "unprecedented."

He said that China's ambitions extend beyond Taiwan and that its will to exert influence globally is becoming increasingly evident amid competition with the United States.

These remarks underscore the diplomatic tightrope Washington continues to walk with Beijing.

When asked if he believes China will invade Taiwan, Secretary Rubio replied that China would prefer Taiwan to voluntarily unify with China through methods like a referendum. He added that President Xi Jinping desires to achieve such reunification within his term.

The U.S. officially adheres to the "One China" policy, recognizing Beijing as the government of China, while maintaining unofficial relations with Taiwan.

Simultaneously, the U.S. is committed to assisting Taiwan in maintaining its capacity for self-defense under the Taiwan Relations Act.

This balancing act, often referred to as "strategic ambiguity," is designed to deter both Chinese invasion and a formal declaration of independence by Taiwan, while avoiding direct military conflict between the two global powers.

As China expands its military presence in the Indo-Pacific and intensifies pressure on Taiwan through military exercises and naval deployments, U.S. officials are working to reassure allies, support Taiwan's defense capabilities, and maintain economic ties with China without provoking escalation.

By U.S. NNP=Reporter Sung Ku Hong / Special to this paper NNP info@newsandpost.com