According to Marco Rubio, Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of state, the US may have to confront a scenario where China invades Taiwan before the end of the decade.
Rubio made these remarks during a bipartisan Senate committee hearing before a vote on his suitability for the role.
He expressed his belief that China poses the biggest threat to America and attributed this heightened risk to America’s shift towards globalism.
He outlined his plans to uphold Trump’s “America First” vision by prioritizing the country’s core national interests above all else.
Rubio emphasized the need for Washington to compete with Beijing and criticized China’s human rights record.
He warned that unless significant changes occur, the US will have to address a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan before 2030.
Protesters briefly interrupted Rubio’s speech, with one referencing Latin American countries hit by US sanctions in Spanish.
Notably, Rubio, if confirmed, would be the first Hispanic person to serve as the top US diplomat.
Security personnel removing a protester at Mr Rubio’s hearing. Pic: Reuters
The confirmation hearing for Pam Bondi, Mr. Trump’s attorney general pick, also commenced on Wednesday.
Bondi faced questions regarding Trump’s promise to pardon individuals involved in the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021.
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Pam Bondi being sworn in before testifying. Pic: Reuters
When questioned about pardoning the defendants, Bondi neither affirmed nor denied her support for Trump’s stance and stated she would provide counsel on a case-by-case basis.
The rioters, who were Trump supporters, aimed to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s election win and many were convicted of assaulting police officers.
Bondi emphasized her condemnation of violence against law enforcement officers in the US.
The Senate hearings for Trump’s cabinet nominees commenced, with Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary nominee, being the first to face the committee.
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Pete Hegseth, an ex-combat veteran and Fox News host, faced allegations of sexual misconduct and heavy drinking, along with making derogatory remarks about minorities and women in combat roles.
His hearing was disrupted multiple times by protesters, and the committee’s top Democrat criticized his suitability for the position, stating that he lacked the necessary character, composure, and competence.