‘God forbid’: Marco Rubio says any conflict between US and China would be ‘catastrophic’

WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday, August 1, said the United States must continue engaging with China despite growing strategic competition, warning that any military or economic conflict between the world's two largest powers would have devastating global consequences.

Speaking in an interview with Lara Trump, Rubio described the US-China relationship as a "delicate balancing act," arguing that Washington must protect its national interests while maintaining direct communication with Beijing. His remarks come ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's expected visit to Washington later this year.

Marco Rubio warns against US-China conflict

Rubio said Beijing is seeking to become "the most powerful country in the world" and is attempting to do so "at our expense," stressing that the US would not allow that to happen.

However, he stressed that competition between the world's two largest economies cannot be allowed to spiral into a broader confrontation: "Any conflict between the US and China, be it economic or be it military, God forbid, would be catastrophic for both countries and for the world." 

Rubio noted that there would inevitably be "areas where we're not going to agree" and "a lot of areas of friction and competition," but said that should not prevent the two sides from engaging directly. Where cooperation is possible, he added, "that's phenomenal, fantastic for the world."

The 55-year-old said balancing those competing priorities is "the hard work of foreign policy," adding that Washington "can't walk away or forfeit our national interests" while also recognizing that stability between the two countries remains critical to global security and the economy.

Marco Rubio says it would be 'irresponsible' not to engage with Beijing

Rubio also defended the administration's decision to continue engaging Beijing, saying it would be "almost irresponsible" not to maintain direct communications with China given the consequences of a breakdown in relations.

He said the two countries would continue competing in several areas but should also seek opportunities to cooperate where possible: "We want stability in our relationship."

Rubio also credited President Donald Trump's relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying the two leaders have "a relationship of mutual respect" and that their ability to speak directly is an important foundation for managing tensions.

He reiterated that the administration would continue putting US interests first in its relationship with Beijing, while acknowledging that strategic competition between the two countries is unavoidable. 

Rubio's remarks come as Xi is expected to visit Washington in September for talks with Trump. Rubio also traveled to Beijing in May for Trump's summit with Xi, marking the first visit by a sitting US secretary of state despite Chinese sanctions previously imposed on him.