Secretary Rubio Addresses Press on International Relations

Why it matters locally: Discussion of freedom of navigation in international waterways, particularly regarding China's coast guard presence near Taiwan and the Straits of Hormuz, holds significant relevance for Hawaii due to its strategic location in the Pacific and its reliance on international shipping and trade.

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MANILA, Philippines — Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed members of the press on July 22, 2026, following a series of international meetings. His remarks covered discussions with China, the situation with Iran, and the Biden administration's stance on Cuba, among other foreign policy matters. Rubio confirmed a lengthy meeting with his Chinese counterpart earlier in the day. He clarified that the duration was due to translation requirements. The primary focus of this discussion was to prepare for an upcoming visit by Chinese President Xi to Washington in September. Rubio stated, "We talked a lot about the visit in September, and that was really the gist of it. It was just to create the groundwork for another positive visit." Rubio acknowledged the existing differences between the two nations, which he anticipates will persist. He emphasized the necessity of managing these differences to prevent them from escalating. He also indicated exploration of potential areas of cooperation ahead of the September visit. The topic of election interference was not discussed with the Chinese official, according to Rubio. When questioned about potential Chinese and Russian targeting information being provided to Iran, Rubio did not directly confirm or deny it. He stated, "Nothing that China has done has in any way changed the trajectory of the... conflicts we're having with Iran." He also noted Chinese cooperation in some areas, specifically their public opposition to restrictions on navigation in international straits. Regarding the situation with Iran, Rubio asserted that the United States is focused on defending shipping and degrading Iran's ability to target global maritime traffic. He described Iran as being in "a lot of trouble" due to internal economic issues and its long-term investment in sponsoring groups and developing missile and drone systems. He cited Iran's alleged violation of a Memorandum of Understanding regarding free and fair navigation in the straits. "The MOU doesn't say you're allowed to launch missiles and drones against commercial shipping in the Straits of Hormuz," he said. Rubio also addressed China's coast guard presence near Taiwan, acknowledging that this issue consistently arises in discussions with Chinese officials. He reiterated the U.S. commitment to freedom of navigation in international waterways and its treaty obligations with allies like the Philippines. Looking ahead, Rubio confirmed a scheduled meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to discuss the war in Ukraine and other potential areas of cooperation. He expressed the U.S.'s openness to playing a constructive role in ending the conflict, stating, "We're probably the only country in the world that can play that role." On the topic of Cuba, Rubio articulated the U.S. objective for the Cuban people to experience "prosperity, safety, security, and a better life." He described the Cuban economic system as dysfunctional and highlighted the cessation of free oil from Venezuela as a significant problem for the country. He mentioned the ongoing shipment of over $100 million in humanitarian assistance to Cuba, to be distributed by non-governmental organizations. The Secretary also commented on the size and function of the National Security Council (NSC). He stated that the NSC had been "way too large" previously, advocating for a smaller body focused on coordinating interagency efforts to implement the President's foreign policy. The issue of wrongfully detained Americans in China, including Chen Youlin and Min Zin, was raised by the press. Rubio confirmed these cases are consistently a priority in U.S. diplomatic engagements.