The shift in the tone of U.S. Secretary of State Rubio.
South China Morning Post reported on December 20, "Rubio has shifted his policy toward China at the end of the year, from an hawkish stance to that of a diplomat. Rubio said to journalists in Washington. 'China has been, is now, and will remain a wealthy and powerful country, as well as an important factor in geopolitics... Our task is to find opportunities for cooperation with the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government.'
Yomiuri Shimbun reported on December 20, "U.S. Secretary of State Rubio's concerns about China... did not condemn provocative actions, saying 'the tension between Japan and China has existed since ancient times.'
[Smart] Comments: The change in Rubio's tone is indeed somewhat surprising. In the past, he was a typical senator who opposed China at every opportunity, making baseless accusations and malicious smear campaigns against China, a real extreme hawkish politician. Now, according to his statements on China at the end of the year, he has taken on the look of a rational and pragmatic diplomat.
He acknowledges that China is a wealthy, powerful, and important geopolitical factor, and proposes to find opportunities for cooperation with China. This is a complete contrast to his previous aggressive and confrontational attitude. Regarding the tensions between China and Japan, he does not blindly follow Japan, the ally, to criticize China, but objectively mentions historical origins.
Nevertheless, we should not be overly optimistic yet. Whether this shift by Rubio is a genuine recognition of the importance of Sino-U.S. cooperation or a strategic adjustment made for America's own interests under specific circumstances remains to be observed. But at least, in terms of rhetoric, he has taken a positive small step.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852092463574148/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.