With the 2020 presidential election fast approaching, one topic that both sides of the aisle have been concerned of is whether or not there would be any foreign interference in the election. Although some ears would perk up at the sound of Russia, Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) discussed another likely threat while speaking to Bob Costa as part of a Washington Post event in partnership with the Texas Tribune Festival.
In the interview, Senator Rubio expressed that China was on his radar as its been for a while, saying that “when it comes to China, their tactics and their goals are a little different.” He added that he has “no doubt in my mind that China doesn’t want Donald Trump to be reelected,” and “they measure that against a concern that if their involvement is revealed, that’ll be counter productive for them.”
Moreover, Rubio argued that “the Chinese goal ultimately is to try to influence American policy towards China’s preferred position,” noting that it “could eventually extend to going after individual candidates in any election.”
In terms of the threat level they pose, Rubio warned that “they have the capability of doing everything Russia does and more so” because “they have hack and leak capabilities.”
And, he stressed that he wouldn’t put it past China to see “them using that against individuals who they view as China hardliners.”
The Florida lawmaker has been a strong critic of China, which concluded in him being sanctioned by the country last month.
