Xi Jinping is trying to push US out of Asia, Marco Rubio says in personal attack ahead of state visit

Republican presidential hopeful Marco Rubio on Friday accused Xi Jinping of seeking to undermine US interests, in a notably personal attack ahead of the Chinese president’s visit to Washington.

Rubio – a Florida lawmaker who sits on the Senate foreign relations committee – singled out the Chinese leader, as he branded Beijing’s record on human rights a “disgrace.”

China has been a frequent target for Republicans on the campaign trail, particularly following the global stock sell-off that many say was triggered by Beijing revaluing its currency.

Another Republican contender for the White House in the 2016 race, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, has called on President Barack Obama to cancel a planned state dinner with Xi.

But Rubio’s tone was markedly personal.

While stating “China presents both opportunities and challenges for our people,” he went on to lay blame for tensions at Xi’s door.

“Xi Jinping is trying to convince his country’s 1.3 billion people that the way to re-establish Chinese greatness is to undermine the United States and enhance China’s influence at our expense,” Rubio said.