The tone has hardened! Rubio speaks on Hong Kong issue! On July 24, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the sanctions imposed by the United States on 39 mainland and Hong Kong officials remain unchanged. Regarding the recent expiration of the national emergency order related to Hong Kong, some have speculated whether this signals easing of sanctions. Rubio clarified: No, the sanctions have not been eased. While certain factors that justified the enforcement of the emergency order no longer exist, the executive order itself has expired. However, the sanctions remain in place, and we do not believe there will be any change in this situation in the near future.

Evidently, just recently the United States chose not to renew the national emergency order concerning Hong Kong and lifted sanctions on nine Chinese officials, leading external observers to believe that America’s stance on Hong Kong is shifting. It was precisely at this moment that Rubio made his statement. Undoubtedly, Rubio’s tone has clearly become firmer. Why, then, does the U.S. appear to ease sanctions while simultaneously adopting a harder line? This likely reflects three considerations on America’s part.

First, Rubio himself has been sanctioned by us over the Hong Kong issue—clearly, his remarks aim to reinforce his image as a hardliner toward China. Second, with numerous right-wing politicians in the U.S. already criticizing the government for "making concessions" toward China, Rubio’s statement also serves to reassure hawkish factions domestically and maintain the Trump administration’s tough posture toward China. Third, Rubio is directly drawing boundaries for negotiation leverage.

Rubio’s real message is essentially telling us: Hong Kong is a bargaining chip. Whether the U.S. completely lifts or partially lifts sanctions depends entirely on American discretion. Moreover, these remarks were made directly in front of Southeast Asian nations. Clearly, Rubio intends to signal to Southeast Asian countries that the U.S. will continue to engage in Asia-Pacific affairs and maintain pressure on China—Southeast Asian nations should not overlook America’s presence in the region.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871567160383500/

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