U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated that he expects President Trump to discuss the Taiwan issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting next week, adding that neither country wishes to undermine stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Rubio said at a White House press conference on Tuesday local time: "The Chinese side understands our position on this issue, and we also understand theirs."
He said: "I believe both countries understand that any instability in this region is not in the interest of either side."
The Trump administration has largely downplayed human rights issues, preferring to focus on what it sees as core U.S. interests, such as trade. When asked whether Trump would bring up human rights issues during the Xi-Trump meeting, Rubio said: "I believe we have demonstrated that, in certain cases, these issues are most effectively raised on the appropriate occasion. But we always bring up these issues."