US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has underscored that China represents America's most significant geopolitical challenge and the relationship that requires careful management ahead of President Donald Trump's meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In an interview, Rubio noted that while China is a powerful nation with growing influence, the US must navigate conflicting interests to avoid potential conflicts. He specifically called for China to pressure Iran to de-escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that the ongoing crisis threatens not only regional stability but also China's economic interests due to its heavy reliance on oil from the area. Rubio also indicated that Taiwan's situation would be a key topic of discussion during the summit, stressing the mutual benefits of maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, while human rights issues have been a contentious topic, Rubio suggested that these concerns would be addressed appropriately during the talks.