In a significant shift in tone from previous administrations, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that America under President Donald Trump will not pressure any nation to sever ties with China. Speaking alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, Rubio emphasized a pragmatic approach to foreign policy, prioritizing national interests over ideological demands.
Rubio made these remarks during a joint press conference following the signing of a nuclear cooperation agreement between the US and Hungary. He clarified that Washington expects every country to pursue its own strategic goals without coercion. ‘We are not telling any country in the world to isolate itself from anyone,’ Rubio stated firmly, addressing concerns about Hungary’s growing economic links with Beijing.
The US maintains strategic competition with China but recognizes the impracticality of demanding complete decoupling. Rubio pointed to ongoing US-China dialogues, noting President Trump’s planned visit to China in April as evidence of continued engagement. ‘It would be madness, utterly impractical, for there to be no relationship or communication between America and China,’ he added.
Hungary, a NATO and EU member, has deepened ties with China through investments and maintained exemptions for Russian energy purchases. When pressed on why the US isn’t conditioning deeper cooperation on reduced Beijing engagement, Rubio responded thoughtfully: ‘Every country must deal with its geographic, economic, historical realities, and future challenges.’
He warned against over-reliance on any single economy, especially for critical supply chains, calling it a geopolitical vulnerability rather than strength. Rubio highlighted the close personal rapport between Trump and Orban, crediting it for strengthening bilateral ties, including energy deals.
Orban welcomed Rubio warmly, describing current US-Hungary relations as a ‘golden era’ and thanking President Trump. The leaders also discussed the Ukraine war, with Rubio outlining Washington’s aim to end the conflict through mediation. ‘America wants to see the war end and will do whatever it takes,’ he said, noting recent restarts in technical-level military talks.
On Iran, Rubio described upcoming Geneva talks as challenging but affirmed Trump’s preference for peaceful resolutions. This foreign policy stance underscores a flexible, interest-driven approach amid global tensions.