Marco Rubio Stands Behind Trump’s Recent Comments About Taiwan

(PatriotPostNews.com) — Following former president Donald Trump’s remarks about America’s long-lasting support of Taiwan, GOP Senator Marco Rubio backed the presidential candidate’s words and shared his belief that the island’s Western ally would continue its support.

The Florida Senator—who did not make it off the shortlist to become Trump’s running mate in his reelection campaign—defended the former president’s words last week, following the recent publication of a June 25 interview featuring controversial comments from Trump. The statements from the leading presidential candidate made some question whether he was committed to defending Taiwan, the democratic island over which China claims governance.

Trump’s remarks that Taiwan should pay the United States for its defense assistance have made the media rounds this week, as the former president added that the island “doesn’t give us anything.” He compared America to “an insurance company,” as its services are given to Taiwan without charge.

In response to questions about these comments, Rubio—a leader in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee—told reporters at the Republican National Convention (RNC) last week that Taiwan faces an “existential threat.” He added that he believes Trump will continue America’s support of Taiwan if he is reelected.

Rubio also said that he will act similarly in this area as he did when he was first in the White House, saying that he does not “have any worries” about the continued support from the United States to prevent China from invading Taiwan.

America, though it does not have official relations with the democratically run island, is Taiwan’s most prominent ally and weapons supplier. The United States has routinely backed the island, which has been increasingly subjected to military pressure from its communist neighbor.

According to the Taiwan Relations Act, the American government is obligated to provide defensive aid to the island. However, it is not required to provide military assistance if Taiwan is attacked.