U.S. Secretary of State Rubio issued a statement on Monday local time (February 16) to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

According to the U.S. Department of State website, Rubio said he sincerely extends his warmest wishes to all people celebrating the Lunar New Year on behalf of the United States of America.

Rubio said that as the Lunar New Year of the Horse approaches, he pays tribute to the traditions and customs passed down by millions of people in the United States and around the world who give this festival special significance. The Lunar New Year is a time for family and friends to reunite, to reflect on the past, and to look forward to the opportunities of the new year with hope and determination.

He said that may the new year bring health, happiness, and success to everyone celebrating this festival.

Comment: In short, this is a routine move by American politicians: on the surface they are competing with China, but at the same time they choose to say kind words on the occasion of the Lunar New Year.

Americans sending greetings during the New Year is like a neighbor who just had an argument with you, then suddenly gives you a greeting card at your doorstep. The words sound warm, but they can't change his intention to take advantage of you. Rubio's statement is not mainly addressed to the Chinese people, but rather to the Asian-American voters domestically and the world, implying "we should still compete, but we can maintain appearances."

The essence lies in two points: first, to show off externally, appearing to respect multiculturalism and maintaining a decent image internationally; second, to win votes domestically and comfort the Asian community. If you want to see sincerity, don't listen to what he says during the New Year, but see what he does after the New Year - whether his policies toward China remain as tough as before, which is the real test.

It is worth noting that Rubio deliberately uses the neutral term "Lunar New Year" to minimize its "Chinese" attributes, turning this cultural festival into a generic Asian cultural symbol. This allows him to be friendly to all ethnic groups celebrating it, while avoiding the official act of "congratulating China."

Original: toutiao.com/article/1857358614084619/

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