U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized on March 19, 2025, that President Donald Trump opposes any changes to Taiwan's status quo through force or extortion, reaffirming a longstanding U.S. policy during an appearance on the Hugh Hewitt Show. "That's the policy of the United States; that remains the policy of the United States," Rubio stated, underscoring Trump's commitment to this stance. This declaration follows heightened tensions marked by China's recent military drills near Taiwan, which U.S. officials have termed aggressive and irresponsible.
Rubio's comments shed light on a critically sensitive geopolitical issue. The remarks came a day after a State Department spokesperson characterized China's activities on March 17, when the People's Liberation Army (PLA) deployed multiple aircraft across the median line of the Taiwan Strait. U.S. officials condemned this as a blatant threat, reaffirming Washington's dedication to supporting Taiwan.
During the same interview, Rubio responded to a question regarding Trump's recent meeting with C.C. Wei, the chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), at the White House earlier this month. The meeting, described by Hewitt as a "big deal," is regarded as a demonstration of U.S. resolve to back Taiwan amid increasing Chinese assertiveness. Trump's announcement that TSMC would invest an additional $100 billion in the United States was highlighted, which will enable the establishment of several advanced facilities in Arizona.
According to Wei, this investment is poised to bring the total outlay of TSMC in the U.S. to $165 billion. Rubio assured that the U.S. policy regarding Taiwan has been consistent and unyielding. He explained, "Our policy remains the same. We do not believe that there should be any violent and/or extortion-based change to the status." This indicates a robust resolve from the U.S. to contain Chinese ambitions of annexing Taiwan, which Rubio believes is a significant objective for Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Addressing the broader implications of the Chinese military's maneuvers, the State Department recently condemned China's intimidation tactics aimed at Taiwan and reiterated its commitment to freedom of expression as a fundamental principle that should not be violated. It stated the Chinese intimidation campaign threatens not just Taiwan's stability but also undermines the framework that has supported peace in the Indo-Pacific for decades.
In response to the ongoing pressures, U.S. officials are working diligently to deter Chinese aggression by making any potential attempt to seize Taiwan costlier for Beijing than what it perceives as the benefits. Rubio asserted the importance of maintaining this deterrence, highlighting that Xi regards Taiwan as a “crown jewel” and a crucial element of his legacy.
Meanwhile, tensions have escalated over diplomatic relations, evident in South Africa's recent decision to alter Taiwan's representative office designation to the "Taipei Commercial Office." The U.S. firmly protested this change, vocalizing concerns over potential isolation tactics Beijing employs against Taiwan to diminish its international presence.
On March 20, amidst this diplomatic discord, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a protest regarding South Africa's actions, emphasizing that such moves are indicative of China's attempts to exert international pressure and diminish Taiwan's standing in global affairs.
Moreover, U.S. lawmakers have made efforts to bolster Taiwan's international recognition. A bill titled the "America Supports Taiwan Act" was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to officially designate Taiwan, replacing the term "Chinese Taipei" across federal agencies, thus further affirming Taiwan's status and autonomy in the international arena.
In other developments related to Taiwan's international presence, on March 16, Taiwan’s Lee Chia-hao won a silver medal at the All England Open Badminton Championships. Competing fiercely against world No. 1 Shi Yuqi, Lee's performance showcased the strength and potential of Taiwanese athletes on the global stage, further highlighting Taiwan’s independent identity amid rising tensions.
The G7 foreign ministers' recent meeting also indicated a shift in the diplomatic narrative surrounding Taiwan. On March 14, 2025, the ministers adopted more assertive language regarding China's posture towards Taiwan without convoluted references to the previous 'one China' policy. The G7's consensus now underscores the collective commitment to oppose coercion and reaffirm support for Taiwan's status as a democratic society.
As the situation continues to evolve, the intricate balance of power in the Taiwan Strait remains precarious, with the U.S. pledging to protect Taiwan against any coercive attempts by China, while Beijing's ambitions pose an ongoing challenge to regional stability. In this delicate geopolitical landscape, the U.S. has reiterated its support for Taiwan, igniting hope amid uncertainty in the East Asia region.
