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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

The Chinatown area of Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Shutterstock

SCMP Highlights

Star Cruises apologises, China goes visa-free for UK, Canada: 5 weekend reads

From the Munich Security Conference to Star Cruises’ fiasco, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

6 hours ago

US-Iran tensions

Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva for second round of talks with US

5 hours ago

Russia

Rubio says US not disputing report of Navalny’s fatal poisoning by frog toxin

16 Feb 2026 - 1:15PM

Munich Security Conference

As transatlantic divorce plays out in Munich, China enjoys the silence

For long, China was a magnet for America’s rhetorical aggression. Now, it is the Europeans who are under fire.

15 Feb 2026 - 9:30PMvideocam

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses a session of the Munich Security Conference on February 14. Photo: Reuters

New Zealand

New Zealand catches flak for ‘secret’ US critical minerals talks

Opposition parties accuse the ruling coalition of keeping voters in the dark, fearing a fast track to environmental damage.

15 Feb 2026 - 11:00AM

Donald Trump

‘You captured my heart’: Trump’s Valentine’s cards feature Maduro, jab at Rubio

The messages praised the president’s achievements, derided Democrats and made fun of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

15 Feb 2026 - 9:34AMvideocam

US-China relations

Rubio, Wang Yi manage US-China rivalry in Munich as underlying tensions linger

Back-to-back speeches appear to continue relative thaw in run-up to Trump’s expected China trip but sharp swipes are also traded.

14 Feb 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

In their addresses to the Munich Security Conference, both US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke of the need to carefully manage differences between the two powers. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong politics

Beijing slams US, UK, Australia and EU over Jimmy Lai sentencing remarks

Commissioner’s office says it summoned representatives from the countries and bloc in Hong Kong to voice ‘strong dissatisfaction’.

14 Feb 2026 - 8:20PM

US-China relations

Future of China-US ties rests on Washington’s will, Wang Yi says in Munich

At Munich Security Conference, Chinese foreign minister also accuses Japan of ‘angry ambitions for the invasion and colonisation of Taiwan’.

14 Feb 2026 - 10:43PMvideocam

US-China relations

China and US must talk – we owe it to the world, Rubio tells Munich conference

US secretary of state reaffirms American commitment to the transatlantic alliance, saying ‘Europe must survive’.

14 Feb 2026 - 7:03PMvideocam

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is the highest-ranking US speaker at the annual security conference this year. Photo: AP

China-EU relations

Farewell to the ‘unipolar moment’: Europe scrambles for footing between US and China

French and German foreign ministers revive talks with Beijing counterpart to respond to US-China divide-and-rule tactics and bolster European unity.

14 Feb 2026 - 7:50PMvideocam

Meeting in Munich on Friday are (from left) China’s Wang Yi, Germany’s Johann Wadephul and France’s Jean-Noel Barrot. Photo: DPA

US-China relations

Win-win, not zero-sum, China’s Wang Yi tells US’ Marco Rubio in Munich talks

In their second in-person encounter, the two top diplomats hold ‘positive and constructive’ talks.

15 Feb 2026 - 1:02AMvideocam

North Korea

Kim Jong-un vows ‘outstanding’ military role in new 5-year North Korea arms plan

The five-year defence plan will be aimed at bolstering North Korea’s strategic and tactical nuclear capabilities, analysts say.

10 Feb 2026 - 4:38PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

China urged to ‘harshly’ punish Panama over court’s canal ruling

Legal analyst says Beijing should ‘consider postponing arrangements’ for Donald Trump’s visit over a ruling against a Hong Kong-based firm.

9 Feb 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

100

A Panamanian court has voided CK Hutchison’s contract to run Panama Canal ports. Photo: AP

South Korea

Hope for thaw? Seoul hints at ‘new progress’ in US-North Korea ties

The official’s remarks come amid speculation that US President Donald Trump could seek a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

7 Feb 2026 - 9:30AM

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump after their first meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam, on February 28, 2019. Photo: AP

US-China relations

US accuses China of secret nuclear testing after offering Beijing arms treaty

The allegations highlight tensions between Washington and Beijing, following the expiry of the New Start arms control treaty with Russia.

7 Feb 2026 - 7:25AMvideocam

Iran

Oman mediates Iran-US nuclear talks amid tensions and Trump’s threats

The meeting is the first between the two sides since Washington joined Israel’s war with Tehran in June with strikes on nuclear sites.

6 Feb 2026 - 10:42PMvideocam

US-Iran tensions

Ahead of talks, Iran deploys ballistic missile at underground ‘missile city’

Tehran signals offensive readiness as negotiators arrive in Oman for high-stakes talks.

6 Feb 2026 - 10:38AM

Iranian missiles displayed in a park in Tehran. Photo: West Asia News Agency via Reuters

US-China trade war

Exclusive | US defends new minerals alliance, rejecting claims it targets China

Washington says the Forge initiative is about securing supply chains against shocks and price coercion, not building an exclusive bloc.

6 Feb 2026 - 7:50AMvideocam

US-China trade war

US pitches critical minerals plan to allies to halt Beijing’s dominance

More than 50 countries encouraged to back US-led framework using price floors and financing to blunt Beijing’s control of hi-tech materials.

5 Feb 2026 - 7:20AMvideocam

Middle East

Trump says Iran leaders should be ‘very worried’ as talks near

Negotiations will take place in Oman, but there is disagreement over whether Tehran’s missile programme will be discussed.

5 Feb 2026 - 9:58AM

A Shahab-3 missile is displayed next to a portrait of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran in September 2021. Photo: TNS

China-Latin America relations

Panama president defends ruling after China slams canal port concession decision

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino rejects Chinese criticism, arguing verdict was within Panama’s constitutional and legal framework.

5 Feb 2026 - 1:09AMvideocam

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino emphasised Panama’s commitment to the rule of law and separation of powers after the canal port concession ruling. Photo: AFP

Donald Trump

Trump and Colombia’s Petro appear to bury hatchet after months of tensions

US president calls Gustavo Petro ‘terrific’ after their first face-to-face encounter, following months of trading barbs.

4 Feb 2026 - 12:16PM

Donald Trump

Iran plans nuclear talks with US as Trump warns of ‘bad things’

Facing threats of potential US military action, Tehran agrees to a Friday meeting in Istanbul on its nuclear programme.

3 Feb 2026 - 6:56PM

US-China trade war

Trump unveils US$12 billion push to curb China’s grip on critical minerals

The initiative, dubbed Project Vault, aims to create a commercial stockpile to shield US manufacturers from supply shocks and price swings.

3 Feb 2026 - 9:35PMvideocam

Project Vault would serve as a commercial “shock absorber”, marking the first civilian-scale US strategic reserve for critical minerals. Photo: Handout

China-Latin America relations

US hails Panama high court ruling against CK Hutchison’s ports concession

Secretary of State Rubio said the decision was encouraging, as it drew support on Capitol Hill and unease among Chinese-linked firms.

31 Jan 2026 - 5:31AMvideocam

The Panama Canal, where CK Hutchison Holdings’ contract was struck down, will operate as normal during the transition. Photo: Getty Images

Middle East

Trump warns Iran of ‘far worse’ attack as US warships approach

US president issues ultimatum for a nuclear deal as Iran vows to resist any American attack.

29 Jan 2026 - 7:23PM

China-Latin America relations

Open Questions | How China’s 15-fold rise in Latin America dents US influence: Francisco Urdinez

A leading scholar says US action in Venezuela shows how Beijing’s economic ties now face rising geopolitical pushback.

29 Jan 2026 - 11:50AMvideocam

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Marco Rubio

Star Cruises apologises, China goes visa-free for UK, Canada: 5 weekend reads

From the Munich Security Conference to Star Cruises’ fiasco, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva for second round of talks with US

Rubio says US not disputing report of Navalny’s fatal poisoning by frog toxin

As transatlantic divorce plays out in Munich, China enjoys the silence

For long, China was a magnet for America’s rhetorical aggression. Now, it is the Europeans who are under fire.

New Zealand catches flak for ‘secret’ US critical minerals talks

Opposition parties accuse the ruling coalition of keeping voters in the dark, fearing a fast track to environmental damage.

‘You captured my heart’: Trump’s Valentine’s cards feature Maduro, jab at Rubio

The messages praised the president’s achievements, derided Democrats and made fun of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Rubio, Wang Yi manage US-China rivalry in Munich as underlying tensions linger

Back-to-back speeches appear to continue relative thaw in run-up to Trump’s expected China trip but sharp swipes are also traded.

Beijing slams US, UK, Australia and EU over Jimmy Lai sentencing remarks

Commissioner’s office says it summoned representatives from the countries and bloc in Hong Kong to voice ‘strong dissatisfaction’.

Future of China-US ties rests on Washington’s will, Wang Yi says in Munich

At Munich Security Conference, Chinese foreign minister also accuses Japan of ‘angry ambitions for the invasion and colonisation of Taiwan’.

China and US must talk – we owe it to the world, Rubio tells Munich conference

US secretary of state reaffirms American commitment to the transatlantic alliance, saying ‘Europe must survive’.

Farewell to the ‘unipolar moment’: Europe scrambles for footing between US and China

French and German foreign ministers revive talks with Beijing counterpart to respond to US-China divide-and-rule tactics and bolster European unity.

Win-win, not zero-sum, China’s Wang Yi tells US’ Marco Rubio in Munich talks

In their second in-person encounter, the two top diplomats hold ‘positive and constructive’ talks.

Kim Jong-un vows ‘outstanding’ military role in new 5-year North Korea arms plan

The five-year defence plan will be aimed at bolstering North Korea’s strategic and tactical nuclear capabilities, analysts say.

China urged to ‘harshly’ punish Panama over court’s canal ruling

Legal analyst says Beijing should ‘consider postponing arrangements’ for Donald Trump’s visit over a ruling against a Hong Kong-based firm.

Hope for thaw? Seoul hints at ‘new progress’ in US-North Korea ties

The official’s remarks come amid speculation that US President Donald Trump could seek a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

US accuses China of secret nuclear testing after offering Beijing arms treaty

The allegations highlight tensions between Washington and Beijing, following the expiry of the New Start arms control treaty with Russia.

Oman mediates Iran-US nuclear talks amid tensions and Trump’s threats

The meeting is the first between the two sides since Washington joined Israel’s war with Tehran in June with strikes on nuclear sites.

Ahead of talks, Iran deploys ballistic missile at underground ‘missile city’

Tehran signals offensive readiness as negotiators arrive in Oman for high-stakes talks.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | US defends new minerals alliance, rejecting claims it targets China

Washington says the Forge initiative is about securing supply chains against shocks and price coercion, not building an exclusive bloc.

US pitches critical minerals plan to allies to halt Beijing’s dominance

More than 50 countries encouraged to back US-led framework using price floors and financing to blunt Beijing’s control of hi-tech materials.

Trump says Iran leaders should be ‘very worried’ as talks near

Negotiations will take place in Oman, but there is disagreement over whether Tehran’s missile programme will be discussed.

Panama president defends ruling after China slams canal port concession decision

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino rejects Chinese criticism, arguing verdict was within Panama’s constitutional and legal framework.

Trump and Colombia’s Petro appear to bury hatchet after months of tensions

US president calls Gustavo Petro ‘terrific’ after their first face-to-face encounter, following months of trading barbs.

Iran plans nuclear talks with US as Trump warns of ‘bad things’

Facing threats of potential US military action, Tehran agrees to a Friday meeting in Istanbul on its nuclear programme.

Trump unveils US$12 billion push to curb China’s grip on critical minerals

The initiative, dubbed Project Vault, aims to create a commercial stockpile to shield US manufacturers from supply shocks and price swings.

US hails Panama high court ruling against CK Hutchison’s ports concession

Secretary of State Rubio said the decision was encouraging, as it drew support on Capitol Hill and unease among Chinese-linked firms.

Trump warns Iran of ‘far worse’ attack as US warships approach

US president issues ultimatum for a nuclear deal as Iran vows to resist any American attack.

Open Questions | How China’s 15-fold rise in Latin America dents US influence: Francisco Urdinez

A leading scholar says US action in Venezuela shows how Beijing’s economic ties now face rising geopolitical pushback.

Exclusive | US defends new minerals alliance, rejecting claims it targets China