Tensions between the U.S. and China have been rising for some time now, and Rubio's appointment has widely been seen as a sign that Trump plans to maintain a hard line on China during his second term. One of the most outspoken China hawks in Washington, Rubio has introduced several bills targeting the Chinese Communist Party.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on his first full day in office Tuesday warned jointly with Japan, India and Australia against coercive actions in Asia, in a veiled but

Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a not-so-subtle warning to China over its actions at sea, vowing together with US allies to counter its assertiveness.

Rubio's appointment as secretary of state has been seen as sign that Trump plans to maintain a hard line on China.

The Quad ministerial meeting of Australia, India, Japan, and the US focused on countering China's influence and maintaining a free Indo-Pacific.

First meeting of Trump presidency for security group focused on Indo-Pacific voices opposition to altering status quo 'by force or coercion' Just hours after being sworn in as US secretary of state on Tuesday,

Rubio called China the "most potent, dangerous adversary" during his confirmation and is expected to work with India, Japan, and Australia to counter this.