The New York Times commented on Rubio's transformation, portraying him as shifting from yesterday's hawkish stance to today's more moderate tone, echoing his boss's rhetoric.
Rubio was once captivated by Beijing's grand architecture, yet less than 18 months ago, he referred to this country as "America’s most powerful, most dangerous, and nearly equal rival in history."
Entering the Trump administration known as a "China hawk," Rubio now adopts a more accommodating attitude toward China. He has begun speaking about seeking areas of cooperation—marking a stark contrast with his long-standing rhetoric.
On Sino-U.S. relations, he said, "The Chinese government is confident it can surpass America, and they have a plan that they are implementing step by step. From the perspective of a nation-state, if I were them, I’d do exactly the same. But China’s rise cannot come at the expense of American interests; otherwise, we will take measures. This will define Sino-U.S. relations for a long time ahead."
Possible reasons for Rubio’s shift in stance include:
1. A change in political role. Since formally becoming Secretary of State from a senator, his approach toward China has adjusted—not necessarily because he internally endorses China’s position, but because of his new responsibilities. Senators express differing views on foreign policy domestically; as Secretary of State, he manages U.S. diplomacy and speaks and acts on behalf of the United States, no longer free to speak arbitrarily.
2. Political maturity over recent years. Rubio clearly possesses sharp instincts. Over the past two years, he has experienced a series of diplomatic crises orchestrated by Trump, realizing how impulsive leadership harms American foreign policy. Though unable to correct the president directly, he has learned what truly serves U.S. interests. His recent remarks to Europe—calling the U.S. always Europe’s child—were wrapped in a layer of sweetened rhetoric.
Regarding China, he has through repeated engagements come to understand that China is not the one he originally imagined.
3. Trump’s own change: abandoning his previous habit of capricious and arbitrary insults toward world leaders, showing rare restraint during his visit to China.
As a subordinate, one naturally follows the lead of their superior—what goes up, comes down.
Political figures’ careers are essentially a process of evolving from raw idealists into seasoned pragmatists.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865449048186880/
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