**Rubio Defends US Stance on Myanmar Earthquake Response Amid Criticism**

Rubio emphasizes the importance of self-reliance among nations and the need for a balanced approach to humanitarian assistance amidst budget cuts.

In the wake of a catastrophic earthquake in Myanmar that resulted in over 3,000 fatalities, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has responded to criticism about the nation's limited assistance. Questions arose after a former United States Agency for International Development (USAID) official highlighted how the Trump administration's dismantling of humanitarian support has hindered prompt rescue efforts. In an interview with the BBC, Rubio stated, "We're not the government of the world," stressing that resources must be prioritized according to US national interests.

Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis, Rubio insisted on the necessity for other affluent countries, such as China and India, to contribute more significantly. While the state department mentioned that a small team of advisors was dispatched to the region, the lack of a robust rescue operation is concerning to many, with typical deployments often reaching 200 personnel equipped to address disasters effectively.

Rubio pointed to the challenges posed by Myanmar’s military regime as a key factor affecting aid access. He contended that while the US expresses willingness to assist, collaboration from other nations is crucial. In his remarks, he downplayed concerns from NGO representatives about the USAID cuts, asserting that the US will not allocate extensive taxpayer funds to non-governmental organizations, many of which he claimed profit significantly from these contracts.

Recently, reports emerged that logistical issues connected to the administration's budget cuts led to missed opportunities for timely aid deployment. With the urgent need for rescue and support in Myanmar growing, calls for a reassessment of the US's humanitarian strategy are likely to increase in the coming weeks.