U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says President Donald Trump remains
firmly against any change to Taiwan’s status by force or extortion.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Rubio said Washington's policy is to
maintain the status quo and push back against threats from China.

His comments follow large-scale Chinese military drills near Taiwan this
week, which the U.S. called “brazen and irresponsible.”

Rubio also addressed Trump’s recent meeting with TSMC chairman C.C. Wei,
where the company announced a new 100-billion US dollar investment in
Arizona.

He said strengthening Taiwan’s economic ties with the U.S. aligns with
Washington’s long-standing stance.

When asked if the U.S. can stop a Chinese attack, Rubio said the goal is to
make the cost too high for Chinese President Xi Jinping to act.

(CNA-PB)