The US Senate has unanimously confirmed Marco Rubio as secretary of state in the administration of newly inaugurated President Donald Trump.

Rubio became the first of Trump's Cabinet nominees to win the approval of the upper chamber, with the confirmation vote taking place on Monday.

Born in the US to immigrants from Cuba, Rubio previously served as a senator representing the state of Florida.

Known as a hardliner on China, Rubio has harshly criticized the country over its human rights policies. At a hearing on January 15, he emphasized his firm stance against Beijing.

The new secretary of state is expected to meet with politicians and dignitaries from various countries who are visiting Washington for Trump's inauguration, including Japan's Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi.