As secretary of state, Marco Rubio's actions and statements may be perceived by the U.S.'s enemies and allies.

• The selection of Sen. Marco Rubio as Secretary of State by President-Elect Donald Trump could significantly alter the United States' interactions with its adversaries and allies.
• Rubio, known for his hawkish stance on foreign policy, has been highly critical of China and Iran, the U.S.' top economic and geopolitical adversaries.
• The senator from Florida has mirrored Trump's stance on the need for an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The appointment of Sen. Marco Rubio as Secretary of State by President-Elect Donald Trump could significantly alter the US' diplomatic relations with its adversaries and allies.

Rubio, known for his hawkish stance on foreign policy, has been highly critical of China and Iran, the U.S.' top economic and geopolitical rivals. However, he has also been ambiguous about supporting Ukraine, mirroring Trump's stance that the conflict with Russia must end.

Trump appointed Rubio as secretary of state after serving as vice-chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee and member of the Foreign Relations Committee.

Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that he would be a strong advocate for our nation, a true friend to our allies, and a fearless warrior who would never back down to our adversaries.

The "America First" policy of Trump may be eased among U.S. allies with Rubio's nomination, his assertive stance on foreign policy, and criticism of America's rivals.

After Trump's election win and before his nomination, Rubio stated that the US was moving towards a period of practical foreign policy.

"Rubio stated that the world is changing rapidly, with adversaries uniting in North Korea, Iran, China, and Russia, and becoming increasingly coordinated. This necessitates a pragmatic and wise approach to overseas investment."

The relationship between Trump and Rubio has been tumultuous. In 2016, both men vied for the Republican presidential nomination, engaging in a bitter rivalry as they campaigned. Trump referred to Rubio as "Little Marco," while Rubio mocked Trump's "small hands."

In 2016, Rubio opposed Trump's isolationist foreign policy stance, stating that the world without American engagement is a world no one desires, and arguing that the U.S. receives more than it gives from its interactions with the international community.

Despite initially opposing the president-elect, Rubio has since reconciled and is now supporting him in his campaign for president.

The incoming secretary of state, Marco Rubio, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his new role, but here's a snapshot of his comments on some of the U.S.' biggest foreign policy challenges.

China

Sen. Rubio is known for being a hawk regarding China, closely aligning him with President-Elect Trump's plan to address trade imbalances with Beijing by imposing tariffs of 60% or higher on Chinese goods once in office.

Rubio is likely to support that policy, as his Senate biography describes him as leading the charge to rebalance our relationship with Communist China. Rubio has been highly critical of China's economic power base, stating in his most recent report on the country's industrial policy that "through theft, market distorting subsidies, and strategic planning, Beijing now leads in many of the industries that will determine geopolitical supremacy in the 21st century."

"Rubio urged a collective effort from lawmakers, CEOs, and investors to address the China challenge and preserve the flame of freedom for future generations, as evidenced by this report."

Beijing imposed sanctions on Rubio and other top U.S. officials in 2020 as part of a tit-for-tat response to sanctions imposed by Washington.

Iran and Israel

The approach of the Trump administration and future Secretary of State Rubio towards Iran remains uncertain, as Republicans give off mixed signals regarding a punitive or more pragmatic policy stance.

In his first term, Trump sparked international concern by tearing up the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and imposing harsh sanctions on Iran. Critics warned that Iran's nuclear weapons capability would be achieved sooner than expected due to these actions.

Before his recent election victory, Trump indicated that he was open to negotiating a new nuclear deal with Iran. However, he told reporters in New York, "Sure, I would do that." "We have to make a deal because the consequences are unbearable," he said, as reported by Politico.

According to Reuters, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Tuesday that Iran must engage with the U.S. in the regional and international sphere, indicating that Iran may be open to negotiations.

If a new nuclear deal is not accepted in Israel, it may not sit well with the country, despite Trump's campaign promise to protect it. Similarly, Rubio has been a vocal critic of Iran and a strong supporter of Israel, which continues to attack Iranian proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah, in Gaza and Lebanon, respectively.

In late September, Rubio publicly supported the Israeli airstrike that killed Hezbollah's leader, Nasrallah, stating that "Israel has no choice but to defend itself." He added that "wiping out not just Nasrallah, but the senior leadership of this evil organization, I think, is a service to humanity." Furthermore, Rubio asserted that Iran's ultimate goal in the Middle East was to "seek to drive America out of the region and then destroy Israel."

Rubio has not ruled out taking a pragmatic approach to Tehran, stating that if the Iranian regime were to stop trying to become a regional power, abandon their nuclear weapons, stop sponsoring terrorism, and stop trying to kill the US, a deal could be reached.

Despite denying U.S. charges that Tehran was involved in an alleged plot to assassinate Trump, Iran's regime maintains that the scenario is unlikely because it is the driving mission and purpose of the regime.

Ukraine

The Trump administration is expected to be less supportive of providing Ukraine with more military aid, which will limit its ability to defend against Russia. Additionally, it is believed that a Republican administration may push for Kyiv to engage in peace talks with Russia, requiring it to surrender occupied land as part of a peace agreement.

Rubio has maintained that he is not aligned with Russia, but he admitted to NBC News in September that the only way the war in Ukraine will end is through a negotiated settlement.

Rubio stated that he hopes that when the time comes, the Ukrainian side will have more leverage than the Russian side. This, he believes, is the ultimate goal. He thinks that this is what former President Donald Trump was trying to convey.

As the war in Ukraine continues and domestic issues remain unresolved, the senator's initial support for Ukraine has waned, along with other Republicans.

In April, Rubio was part of a small group of hardline Republicans who opposed a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, arguing that the U.S. should prioritize addressing its own domestic issues, such as border security and immigration.