Secretary of State Rubio Defends China Diplomacy and Hardline Stance on Iran, Cuba in Beijing Interview
May 16, 2026
May 16, 2026
WASHINGTON, May 16 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following transcript of an interview on May 14, 2026, by Tom Llamas of NBC News with Secretary Marco Rubio:
* * *
Secretary of State Marco Rubio With Tom Llamas of NBC News
QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, we thank you so much for your time.
SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you.
QUESTION: I do want to start by asking you: Are you surprised that you're even here in China? As a U.S. senat . . .
* * *
Secretary of State Marco Rubio With Tom Llamas of NBC News
QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, we thank you so much for your time.
SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you.
QUESTION: I do want to start by asking you: Are you surprised that you're even here in China? As a U.S. senat . . .