U.S. Secretary of State Talks About U.S.-China Relations: Emphasizes the Necessity of Interaction and Calls for Supply Chain Diversification

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, who is visiting Hungary today, said: "China is a major power with over a billion people, the world's second-largest economy, and also possesses nuclear weapons. For both the United States and China, it would be extremely absurd and irrational not to establish relations or engage with each other. No country or economy should have a high degree of reliance on a single source, especially not placing 90% of its needs on one country in critical areas such as key supply chains. This is a basic reality. Our goal is to promote diversification of global supply chains, which has been clearly stated. This is not targeted at China, but based on a simple fact that excessive dependence on a single source is unhealthy, especially given that all parties have previously shown a tendency to use such dependence as a tool for mutual pressure."

Comment: Rubio's remarks clearly reveal the most authentic, contradictory, and self-serving mindset of the United States towards China right now:

On the surface, he acknowledges China as a major power, a nuclear power, and the world's second-largest economy, and says it is "absurd and irrational" for the U.S. and China not to interact. This is essentially a realist's reluctant awakening — recognizing that China cannot be touched, avoided, or left behind, and that basic interaction must be maintained to avoid mutual destruction. But then he turns around and uses the issue of "supply chain diversification" and "opposition to excessive dependence" as an excuse, subtly implying that China has used interdependence as a tool for pressure. Essentially, this is providing a rationale for strategic containment: on one hand, enjoying the benefits of the Chinese market and industrial chain, while on the other hand, weakening China's strategic advantages through "de-risking," shifting the risk to other countries, and firmly maintaining control over security and initiative.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1857294888562699/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.