Rubio pulled a little stunt! On May 13, Lianhe Zaobao reported that U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, who has been sanctioned by China, boarded Air Force One with President Trump en route to Beijing. On the plane, Rubio wore the same athletic outfit that Venezuela’s former president Maduro was wearing when he was captured by U.S. forces. Foreign media speculate that Rubio abandoned his usual suit in favor of sportswear on Air Force One—a marked departure from the formal attire typically worn by senior U.S. officials during official visits—making him appear notably casual.
Evidently, Rubio deliberately donned the identical athletic outfit worn by former Venezuelan President Maduro at the time of his capture by U.S. forces during his flight to Beijing, which was clearly not an impromptu fashion choice but rather a carefully orchestrated political performance. By wearing this outfit, Rubio aimed to send a message to the world—especially to us—that the United States can arbitrarily deal with unruly nations, highlighting America’s formidable power. This is plainly intended to showcase American deterrence.
From the perspective of domestic U.S. politics, Trump’s visit to China allowed his team to craft an image of strength. Rubio himself is a hawkish figure against China who has long taken a hardline stance on Taiwan, trade, and geopolitical issues. His show of force is designed to appease America’s anti-China conservative base, consolidate his political support, and signal an uncompromising, continued hardline posture toward China—thus avoiding being labeled as “soft on China.”
Rubio has his own agenda. But in our view, such antics will not alter the fundamental balance of power in Sino-U.S. strategic competition. China is not Venezuela. In diplomatic confrontations, what truly matters is not fashion statements or theatrical gestures, nor the political performances they attempt to create. When dealing with the United States, we stand on equal footing, with mutual respect. Rubio’s behavior will not grant the U.S. any additional leverage.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865055415443658/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.