U.S. opposes forced change to Taiwan Strait status quo: Rubio

Washington, Feb. 21 (CNA) U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday reaffirmed Washington's opposition to any forced change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, stressing that the United States does not seek conflict and remains committed to its long-standing policies on Taiwan.

The U.S. has expressed clear commitments to Taiwan through multiple administrations for many years, Rubio said during an interview aired on the social media platform X when asked whether the U.S. would defend Taiwan if China moved against it.

"We are against any sort of compelled, forced change of status. That's been our policy; that remains our policy," he said.

Rubio emphasized that the U.S. is not seeking to provoke or see a conflict, reiterating Washington's long-standing policies -- based on the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances -- that oppose any attempt to alter the status quo through force, threat, or coercion.

"That's generally how we've left it, and that's what's provided stability," he said. "I hope it continues to provide stability."

Rubio also underscored Washington's continued support for Taiwan's participation in international forums "where their views and their interests are not represented by the mainland at this point."

"We're going to keep all the commitments we've made, but the most important one is to make clear that we are against and oppose any sort of forced change in status," he concluded.

Rubio's remarks followed recent updates to the Taiwan-U.S. relations fact sheet published on the U.S. State Department website, which removed previous language stating that the U.S. does not support Taiwan's independence and reinforced support for Taiwan's international participation.