China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Taiwan represents the "biggest risk" in relations between the two countries, according to Chinese state media reports.

The comments came during what appeared to be an early diplomatic exchange between the top diplomats of the world's two largest economies. The conversation highlights how Taiwan remains a central point of tension in U.S.-China relations as the Trump administration takes office.

Beijing has long maintained that Taiwan is a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with mainland China, while the United States has provided military support and diplomatic backing to the democratically governed island. The U.S. maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan while officially recognizing Beijing under its "One China" policy.

The timing of Wang's remarks comes as China continues efforts to diplomatically isolate Taiwan by persuading its remaining allies to switch recognition to Beijing. Paraguay is among the handful of countries that still maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan rather than China.

Rubio, who was sworn in as Secretary of State this week, has previously taken hawkish positions on China during his time in the U.S. Senate. His appointment signals potential continuity in the competitive approach toward China that has characterized recent U.S. administrations from both parties.