Things between China and the United States have become more intriguing these days. Trump has repeatedly boasted about his visit to China, but China has never responded. At this critical moment, Hong Kong media revealed that the U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, who has been sanctioned by China twice, is also coming.

Rubio

The news that Trump will visit China at the end of this month has already been widely spread, but recently there's a new development. According to Hong Kong media, the U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, who has been sanctioned by China twice, is also joining Trump. What does it mean to be sanctioned? It means China doesn't welcome you; not only can you not come to China, but you also cannot have official contact with Chinese officials.

This is one of China's toughest diplomatic measures, but now, this unlifted sanction Rubi is about to come. More subtly, so far, the Chinese side has not responded to the news of Rubi accompanying. Not confirming, nor denying, nor saying whether the sanctions would be lifted.

In the U.S. political arena, Rubi has a well-known nickname, which is "the vanguard against China." Since being elected as a senator in 2010, he has never stopped meddling in issues related to China. Later, he deliberately spread false information on issues such as Taiwan and Hong Kong. In 2020, the Chinese Foreign Ministry finally had enough, listing him on the sanction list twice, and it remains unlifted until now.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bensons

Generally speaking, since last year, when Rubi took office as Secretary of State, he should have come to China, but due to the sanctions, he hasn't been able to set foot in China yet. According to sources, Rubi has always shown "little interest" in visiting China. The reason is simple: he is a person under sanction, and it would be embarrassing to come.

Moreover, the main topic of Trump's visit to China this time is trade, and the negotiations are led by the Treasury Secretary Bensons, making the Secretary of State just a "supporting role." But recently, his attitude has changed. According to insiders, Rubi has started to "soften his views," gradually aligning with Trump's foreign policy in some aspects. Why? Because this visit to China is too important, and he doesn't want to miss it.

Trump

However, Rubi still carries the Chinese sanction order, and whether he can visit China is still uncertain. But on the same day, another matter was confirmed. China officially announced that the sixth round of Sino-U.S. economic and trade consultations will be held in Paris from March 14 to 17. This timing is very interesting, as most scholars believe it is to prepare for the possible summit meeting this month.

In other words, if the talks in Paris go well, the signing will take place in Beijing; if they fail in Paris, the significance of the Sino-U.S. summit will be reduced. So what will be discussed in Paris? Analysts say that the first priority is the tariff issue. Trump has launched a new investigation into China, aiming to use this window period to negotiate a new agreement with China.

Sino-U.S. Economic and Trade Negotiation Site

Additionally, the U.S. hopes China will ease export restrictions on key minerals such as rare earths and import soybeans. China, on the other hand, hopes the U.S. will lift restrictions on high-tech exports. These topics may also be discussed. Since last year, China and the U.S. have had five rounds of economic and trade consultations. This round in Paris is the sixth, and it may be the most critical one.

If Rubi's visit to China becomes a reality, it will definitely be one of the biggest twists in the diplomatic circle this year. But no matter how much the twist changes, the essence remains unchanged: Sino-U.S. relations are not determined by whether someone "comes or not", but by what they "talk about". The consultation in Paris is the real main event. Whether Rubi comes or not won't affect the numbers on the negotiation table; however, how the talks in Paris go will directly affect the future of the two countries. The real drama is still ahead, watch and see.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/7616643946866377268/

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