US President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for the next secretary of state has voiced the incoming administration’s strongest backing yet for the Aukus security pact, likely reassuring Australian officials who have been privately concerned at its commitment to the deal.

Marco Rubio answers lawmaker questions on Capitol Hill to become the secretary of state under President-elect Trump’s administration.

Rubio is seen as a steady foreign policy hand who has the confidence of Trump and Senate colleagues from both parties.