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Marco Rubio

The latest news on Marco Rubio, American politician and 72nd United States Secretary of State, including US politics news and updates.

Born

28 May 1971

Industry

Politics

Job title

US Secretary of State

US President Donald Trump points his finger towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after a meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in December. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Is Trump calling the shots on Israel, or just pretending to?

The US president says he’s losing patience with Israel’s prime minister. Analysts say he’s just playing to the crowd.

4 hours agovideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

US sanctions over 100 Nicaraguan officials and relatives after activist death

9 Jun 2026 - 11:43AM

Donald Trump

US considers ‘buying’ Chagos Islands from Mauritius

8 Jun 2026 - 8:42AM

Fifa World Cup 2026

Iran head to Mexico under shadow of new World Cup visa row with United States

Squad must enter and leave US soil on the same day as their matches, while member of Iraqi team denied entry in Chicago after screening.

8 Jun 2026 - 1:00AM

Members of Iran’s football team before departing from Antalya Airport in Turkey for Tijuana, Mexico, to compete in the Fifa World Cup. Photo: EPA

United States

US to send third-country deportees to Central African Republic

Amid demonstrations across the US against Trump’s immigration policies, the impoverished African country has agreed to take deported migrants from other countries.

7 Jun 2026 - 11:41PMvideocam

US-Cuba relations

Summer most likely window for US attack on Cuba, Chinese defence tech firm says

Using tracking data and AI, Jingan Technology suggests ‘decapitation’ operation more probable than full-scale invasion.

5 Jun 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

India

Quad’s proposed port project in Fiji risks being ‘another empty promise’

Analysts warn that a lack of commitment by the four-member bloc on the project could open the door for China to expand its economic clout.

5 Jun 2026 - 5:58PM

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, India’s Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pose before a Quad meeting in New Delhi on May 26. Photo: Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

China-Latin America relations

China says US ‘invented’ terrorism charges to justify Cuba blockade

Foreign ministry rebutted Marco Rubio’s claim that Cuba sponsors terrorism and demanded an end to US sanctions on the island.

5 Jun 2026 - 10:03AMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

Opinion | China’s economic inroads in Latin America are hitting political walls

China’s economic gains in the Americas are real, but Donald Trump’s return to the White House shows that political success is another story.

5 Jun 2026 - 2:23AMvideocam

US-China relations

US-China policy under Trump is heading for ‘unpredictable drift’: expert

Beijing is said to face complex double-edged calculus amid contrasting approaches of American president and Washington establishment.

6 Jun 2026 - 6:55PMvideocam

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and US President Donald Trump attend a welcome ceremony for the American leader held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14. Photo: AP

India

As India rises in critical minerals race, can it dent China’s dominance?

While India could become a valuable part of an alternative supply chain, analysts say it is unlikely to replace China any time soon.

4 Jun 2026 - 7:15PMvideocam

A pile of minerals extracted in a rare-earth mine. Photo: Shutterstock

China-Latin America relations

‘I will sell to someone else’: Brazil’s Lula hits back at US after China beef win

The president also branded Rubio a ‘frustrated Latino’ and vowed Brazil would ‘not be treated as an insignificant little republic’ by the US.

4 Jun 2026 - 3:25AMvideocam

United States

Trump says Vance-Rubio team-up for 2028 run would be unbeatable

Trump ‌has continued to fuel the succession talk even as both Vance and Rubio downplay ‌their ‌2028 ambitions.

4 Jun 2026 - 12:58AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Kuwait International Airport hit as US and Iran exchange attacks

Strikes damage terminal and halt commercial flights, sparking a fierce blame game between Washington and Tehran.

4 Jun 2026 - 8:15AM

Kuwaiti officials inspect damage inside a terminal at Kuwait International Airport following a drone and missile attack. Photo: Kuwait News Agency via Reuters

US-China relations

US and China have ‘no choice’ but to talk despite ‘long-term problems’: Rubio

Top diplomat said dialogue was essential to prevent tensions over Taiwan, trade and security from escalating into a broader conflict.

3 Jun 2026 - 8:49AM

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told senators that the US and China had “no choice” but to maintain dialogue. Photo: Getty Images

United States

US proposes 25% tariff to punish Brazil over trade practices

The measures cover areas such as electronic payment services, preferential tariffs, intellectual property protection and the ethanol market.

2 Jun 2026 - 10:13PM

China-Latin America relations

US’ Cuba-China fears, Panama pressure: Latin America relations reads

From Argentina’s shrinking China lifeline to the US’ Cuba worries, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in May 2026.

3 Jun 2026 - 12:38AM

Brazil

US targeting of drug gangs seen as attempt to shake up Brazil’s election

Analysts say Trump’s designation of PCC and Red Command is a political boost for Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of October vote.

2 Jun 2026 - 10:08AM

Brazilian security forces regularly conduct large operations against the criminal groups, which often turn violent. Photo: EPA

United States

US to slash number of embassies in Africa that process visas

US State Department consolidation will force applicants across the continent to travel to 20 central hubs.

2 Jun 2026 - 10:32AM

Africa

Young Kenyans protest Ebola quarantine centre for US citizens

Health Minister Aden Duale has said the quarantine centre was for ‘everyone’ and not exclusively for US nationals.

1 Jun 2026 - 7:05PM

Middle East

Netanyahu orders strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, clouding Iran mediation

Order came a day after Israeli ground forces seized a historic castle, reaching their deepest point in Lebanon in 26 years.

1 Jun 2026 - 6:05PM

Traffic clogs an exit route as residents flee the southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday. Photo: Reuters

US-Asean relations

Tariffs, war and broken trust: Southeast Asia’s Trump problem

Disillusioned by US unpredictability, the region is learning to diversify – while Trump treats allies as bargaining chips.

30 May 2026 - 7:30AM

Africa

Kenya court blocks US Ebola quarantine centre

The centre was supposed to house Americans arriving from DR Congo, which is battling a major Ebola outbreak.

29 May 2026 - 9:59PM

Brazil

US labels major Brazilian crime groups as terrorist organisations

Washington equates PCC and CV with global terror groups like Isis, opening the door for aggressive US interventions.

29 May 2026 - 2:21PM

US-China relations

China, US at ‘historical crossroads’, Beijing’s envoy tells New York gala event

Nixon, Bush and Rockefeller families are among evening’s honorees, along with former Hong Kong leader Tung Chee-hwa.

29 May 2026 - 7:47PM

Ambassador Xie Feng addresses the attendees at the China Institute of America centennial gala in New York on Thursday. Photo: Lucy Quaggin

China-Latin America relations

Panama rejects US pressure claims as it seeks to ease China tensions

Panamanian president looks to defuse issues with Beijing as South American country attempts to renew key China maritime agreement.

29 May 2026 - 6:19AMvideocam

Containers sit at the Balboa terminal, formerly run by CK Hutchison’s Panama Ports, after the Panama government ordered the occupation of the port following a court ruling that the concession was unconstitutional. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Israel’s Lebanon strikes challenge Trump’s Iran talks amid Hezbollah’s defiance

Israel’s offensive aimed at weakening the group complicates US-Iran peace efforts, analysts say.

28 May 2026 - 4:23PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

As US pressures Cuba, Beijing holds talks with Havana on agriculture

Chinese support includes rice shipments and diplomatic backing as Trump administration ramps up sanctions and rhetoric.

28 May 2026 - 6:04AMvideocam

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Marco Rubio

Is Trump calling the shots on Israel, or just pretending to?

The US president says he’s losing patience with Israel’s prime minister. Analysts say he’s just playing to the crowd.

US sanctions over 100 Nicaraguan officials and relatives after activist death

US considers ‘buying’ Chagos Islands from Mauritius

Iran head to Mexico under shadow of new World Cup visa row with United States

Squad must enter and leave US soil on the same day as their matches, while member of Iraqi team denied entry in Chicago after screening.

US to send third-country deportees to Central African Republic

Amid demonstrations across the US against Trump’s immigration policies, the impoverished African country has agreed to take deported migrants from other countries.

Summer most likely window for US attack on Cuba, Chinese defence tech firm says

Using tracking data and AI, Jingan Technology suggests ‘decapitation’ operation more probable than full-scale invasion.

Quad’s proposed port project in Fiji risks being ‘another empty promise’

Analysts warn that a lack of commitment by the four-member bloc on the project could open the door for China to expand its economic clout.

China says US ‘invented’ terrorism charges to justify Cuba blockade

Foreign ministry rebutted Marco Rubio’s claim that Cuba sponsors terrorism and demanded an end to US sanctions on the island.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | China’s economic inroads in Latin America are hitting political walls

China’s economic gains in the Americas are real, but Donald Trump’s return to the White House shows that political success is another story.

US-China policy under Trump is heading for ‘unpredictable drift’: expert

Beijing is said to face complex double-edged calculus amid contrasting approaches of American president and Washington establishment.

As India rises in critical minerals race, can it dent China’s dominance?

While India could become a valuable part of an alternative supply chain, analysts say it is unlikely to replace China any time soon.

‘I will sell to someone else’: Brazil’s Lula hits back at US after China beef win

The president also branded Rubio a ‘frustrated Latino’ and vowed Brazil would ‘not be treated as an insignificant little republic’ by the US.

Trump says Vance-Rubio team-up for 2028 run would be unbeatable

Trump ‌has continued to fuel the succession talk even as both Vance and Rubio downplay ‌their ‌2028 ambitions.

Kuwait International Airport hit as US and Iran exchange attacks

Strikes damage terminal and halt commercial flights, sparking a fierce blame game between Washington and Tehran.

US and China have ‘no choice’ but to talk despite ‘long-term problems’: Rubio

Top diplomat said dialogue was essential to prevent tensions over Taiwan, trade and security from escalating into a broader conflict.

US proposes 25% tariff to punish Brazil over trade practices

The measures cover areas such as electronic payment services, preferential tariffs, intellectual property protection and the ethanol market.

US’ Cuba-China fears, Panama pressure: Latin America relations reads

From Argentina’s shrinking China lifeline to the US’ Cuba worries, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in May 2026.

US targeting of drug gangs seen as attempt to shake up Brazil’s election

Analysts say Trump’s designation of PCC and Red Command is a political boost for Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of October vote.

US to slash number of embassies in Africa that process visas

US State Department consolidation will force applicants across the continent to travel to 20 central hubs.

Young Kenyans protest Ebola quarantine centre for US citizens

Health Minister Aden Duale has said the quarantine centre was for ‘everyone’ and not exclusively for US nationals.

Netanyahu orders strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, clouding Iran mediation

Order came a day after Israeli ground forces seized a historic castle, reaching their deepest point in Lebanon in 26 years.

Tariffs, war and broken trust: Southeast Asia’s Trump problem

Disillusioned by US unpredictability, the region is learning to diversify – while Trump treats allies as bargaining chips.

Kenya court blocks US Ebola quarantine centre

The centre was supposed to house Americans arriving from DR Congo, which is battling a major Ebola outbreak.

US labels major Brazilian crime groups as terrorist organisations

Washington equates PCC and CV with global terror groups like Isis, opening the door for aggressive US interventions.

China, US at ‘historical crossroads’, Beijing’s envoy tells New York gala event

Nixon, Bush and Rockefeller families are among evening’s honorees, along with former Hong Kong leader Tung Chee-hwa.

Panama rejects US pressure claims as it seeks to ease China tensions

Panamanian president looks to defuse issues with Beijing as South American country attempts to renew key China maritime agreement.

Israel’s Lebanon strikes challenge Trump’s Iran talks amid Hezbollah’s defiance

Israel’s offensive aimed at weakening the group complicates US-Iran peace efforts, analysts say.

As US pressures Cuba, Beijing holds talks with Havana on agriculture

Chinese support includes rice shipments and diplomatic backing as Trump administration ramps up sanctions and rhetoric.

Opinion | China’s economic inroads in Latin America are hitting political walls