With his nomination of China hardliner Marco Rubio for secretary of state, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has signaled his policy toward Beijing could go beyond tariffs and trade to a more hawkish stance on China as the United States' main strategic rival.

Trump has pledged to end China’s most-favored-nation trading status and impose tariffs on Chinese imports in excess of 60% – much higher than those imposed during his first term. Rubio is almost certain to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, where he is a senior member of both the foreign relations and intelligence committees.