Secretary of State Rubio said that China has 1.4 billion people and is the world's second-largest economy; not dealing with it would be crazy.
With such a scale, the U.S. and China cannot live in isolation; it's absurd to imagine so...
Two major countries, it's natural to have differences. If there are differences, we must find ways to manage them.
This statement is not harsh words, but a truth. However, "managing differences" requires a sense of proportion. How far should it go? There must be boundaries!
It is undeniable that Rubio's remarks clearly point out a basic reality of Sino-U.S. relations: as the world's two largest economies, it is neither realistic nor desirable for the two countries to completely "decouple."
Rubio is known for his hardline stance toward China and has led multiple anti-China proposals. Therefore, his admission that not dealing with China is "crazy," and his emphasis on "managing differences," is not a sign of softening, but rather an acknowledgment that American interests require cooperation with China on issues such as climate change and global economic stability. It is a pragmatic statement based on real interests.
His views touch on the core logic of Sino-U.S. relations: the deep integration of the two economies means that "de-coupling" comes at a high cost, which would be difficult for the global economy to bear. At the same time, the two countries have profound differences in systems and ideologies. What Rubio referred to as "managing differences" is key. How to seek cooperation amid competition and keep differences under control is the test of the future relationship between the two countries.
China's consistent position is to move in the same direction. The Chinese government has repeatedly emphasized that "cooperation benefits both, while confrontation harms both," and advocates managing differences through dialogue on the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit. Rubio's comments, to some extent, confirm the Chinese view that "great powers should behave like great powers and take on their due international responsibilities."
Although Rubio speaks rationally, the actual policies of the United States often carry an adversarial tone. Therefore, what matters is how the U.S. will implement "managing differences" in actions.
In summary, Rubio's remarks can be seen as a strategic return to rationality, acknowledging that the U.S. and China cannot "decouple." However, the key is whether the U.S. can act consistently, showing sincerity in specific policies regarding "managing differences."
Original: toutiao.com/article/1857420710852684/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.