US Senator Marco Rubio today said that the US should counter China’s influence in Asia by cultivating stronger economic ties with Taiwan, as well as Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. His comments were in response to a question from a reporter with The Liberty Times in Taiwan who asked, “Do you have confidence about the US presence in Asia?” There was also a question about Taiwan in relation to tax reform in the US and its relationship with the island.

The GOP presidential hopeful made his statement at a Heritage Foundation tax day event in Washington, D.C., at which he touted his tax plan, and added that he believes China will face challenges, including decisions on whether to open up more economically to other countries or to revert to greater internal political oppression. He believes China is leaning toward the latter. Marco Rubio said China is facing demographic problems, environmental degradation, and serious and long-term political issues.

During the Q&A session, the Florida Republican mentioned China’s territorial claims (but not the Diaoyu Islands that Taiwan also claims), which he called “illegitimate” and perceives as a potential threat to the region.

Rubio believes that the US must strengthen its economic ties with its allies in East Asia to balance the power in the region. “We have a strong interest in increasing trade commerce and interaction with our allies in Japan and in South Korea and the Philippines and in Taiwan,” he said.

Rubio’s comments come after the DPP announced its nomination for Taiwan’s 2016 presidential election. 58-year-old law scholar Tsai Ing-wen is seen as holding a moderate stance toward relations with mainland China, advocating dialogue over talk of independence, and she is the early favorite to be elected, according to polls. If elected, Tsai would become Taiwan’s first female president.

Watch Marco Rubio’s entire speech and the Q & A session at The Heritage Foundation here (the first question about Taiwan is at the 27 minute mark, and the second is just after 31 minutes):