TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅) on Saturday, reaffirming the US’ commitment to its regional allies and expressing deep concerns over China’s “coercive” actions toward Taiwan.

According to a statement from China’s foreign ministry, Wang told Rubio the US must exercise caution in handling the Taiwan issue. He insisted that Washington uphold its commitment to the "one China" policy, per CNA.

US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that Rubio told Wang the Trump administration pursue a relationship with China that “advances US interests and puts the American people first … I hope you would conduct yourself well and play a constructive role in the future of the Chinese and American people and in world peace and stability,” Wang told Rubio, who in his Senate confirmation hearing on Jan. 15 labeled China as the gravest threat facing the US.

In the hearing, Rubio accused Beijing of using deceptive methods to achieve superpower status. He said the US welcomed the Chinese Communist Party’s integration into the international order, noting that China takes full advantage of the benefits it offers, yet disregards the responsibilities and obligations that come with it.

Wang told Rubio the leaders of both countries had set the direction for US-China relations and established the tone for the relationship. He added that both sides should implement the consensus reached by their leaders.

Rubio expressed strong support for the “porcupine strategy” on Taiwan, which aims to make “the cost of invading Taiwan higher than the benefit,” thereby deterring China. He believes this is crucial for defending Taiwan and “preventing a cataclysmic military intervention in the Indo-Pacific.”

Rubio emphasized that regardless of Beijing's claims to the “one China” principle, the US must seize every possible opportunity to allow Taiwan to participate in discussions on important issues in international forums where it is not represented.

According to a report by Nikkei Asia, a statement from China's Xinhua News Agency claimed that Rubio told Wang the US "does not support" Taiwan's independence. Rubio was quoted as saying he hoped the "Taiwan issue will be peacefully resolved in a way accepted by both sides of the Taiwan Strait,” as reported by the South China Morning Post.