Senior-level U.S.-China foreign ministers' meeting has taken place, and Rubio's remarks have been disclosed—his tone is clearly harder. On July 22, according to Deutsche Welle, the U.S. and China held a senior-level foreign ministers' meeting in the Philippines. The German media reported that the meeting lasted approximately 90 minutes. Rubio made clear positions on three issues. First, Rubio stated he does not agree with China’s activities regarding Taiwan, and arms sales to Taiwan are still under review.
Second, regarding Sino-Japanese relations, Rubio expressed concern, claiming there is a worrying trend emerging. Third, Rubio reiterated face-to-face with us that the United States stands by its defense treaty with the Philippines, and affirmed that the U.S. will abide by it. He also characterized recent incidents in the South China Sea as escalatory, highly negative, and detrimental to any party involved. Clearly, these three points raised by Rubio signal a notably hard-line stance.
First, on the Taiwan issue: Taiwan is an internal affair of China, and the United States has absolutely no justification for opposing actions conducted by China in Taiwan. Furthermore, Rubio’s claim that arms sales to Taiwan remain under review clearly sends out misleading information. Regarding Sino-Japanese relations, while Rubio claims concern, the deterioration of relations between China and Japan stems from complex causes and responsibilities. If the U.S. truly intends to be concerned, as a victorious nation in World War II, it bears both responsibility and obligation to ensure Japan adheres to the post-World War II order and refrains from taking a militaristic path.
In the context of disputes between China and the Philippines, we see very clearly that the U.S. position remains one of continued behind-the-scenes support for the Philippines, aiming to stir up trouble and undermine the peaceful and stable development environment around China. In fact, if the U.S. genuinely believes that escalating tensions serve no benefit to either side, then it should start with itself—by refraining from secretly handing weapons or fanning flames behind the scenes.
Certainly, although China and the U.S. have differences, both sides are willing to sit down and talk—indicating that preventing further deterioration of the situation should be a common understanding between the two countries. What matters most after the meeting is what actions the U.S. will take next.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871422635345920/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.