Rubio's appointment as secretary of state has been seen as sign that Trump plans to maintain a hard line on China.

China indicated that sanctions on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wouldn’t impact official exchanges, in a sign that Beijing seeks to negotiate with the Trump administration over trade and other disputes.

The meeting, bringing together representatives of the four largest militaries in the Indo-Pacific, was a clear signal that the Trump administration will intensify military preparations and threats directed at China.

Marco Rubio, who has represented Florida in the Senate since 2011, is known for his hawkish stance on China and has been sanctioned by the country twice.

The new US secretary of state is departing from recent precedent by not making Asia his first overseas destination.

The senator’s criticism of Chinese “genocide” led the country to forbid his entry, and his attack on Elon Musk’s company could rile Trump’s key adviser.

Mr Rubio discussed the “dangerous and destabilising actions in the South China Sea” by China. Read more at straitstimes.com.

China's expanding footprint in Latin America is expected to be high on the agenda when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Panama next week on his first overseas trip since taking office, according to observers.

The surprise statement by new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging Thailand not to deport 40-plus Uyghurs who are currently being detained in Thailand to China has shone a much-needed spotlight on these illegal entrants.

Rubio will depart on his first foreign trip to visit countries in Central America that may be vital for carrying out the Trump administration's mass deportation plans.

The US secretary of state opens his term by reaffirming Washington’s commitment to the Philippines and other regional allies.