In a significant diplomatic exchange, China's seasoned Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently engaged with the United States' newly confirmed Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. During their initial phone conversation, Wang Yi extended an indirect yet pointed caution to Rubio, emphasizing the necessity of prudent diplomatic behavior.
Utilizing a well-known Chinese expression, Wang's message implored the Secretary of State to 'act appropriately.' Though seemingly mundane, such expressions convey a dual purpose—outlined expectations and a delicate warning. As noted by Zichen Wang, a research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, the vague yet deep-rooted expression aligns with China’s traditional rhetoric to maintain decorum in diplomatic exchanges.
This interaction reflects escalating diplomatic tensions, propelled by Rubio's outspoken criticism of China’s human rights policies during his tenure as a U.S. senator. Notably, these criticisms have led China to impose sanctions against Rubio twice in 2020. The sanctions were China's response to U.S. actions against Chinese officials related to issues in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. These included travel bans, underscoring the complicated facets of international diplomacy between the two powers.
The phone call marked a critical juncture in U.S.-China relations amidst the new administration under President Trump. Although Rubio's outspoken stance has irked Beijing, the Chinese government remains open to engaging with him on matters of mutual interest. However, it remains unclear whether these sanctions would extend to limit any future diplomatic ventures by Rubio to China.
During his confirmation proceedings, Rubio highlighted the importance of cultural context when interpreting such diplomatic language. He recommended a focus on original Chinese texts to accurately grasp the implications behind China’s diplomatic communications, referring to President Xi Jinping's statements as an example.
In contrast, the U.S. summary of the conversation was more straightforward, omitting any mention of the nuanced phrase. Rubio reiterated the priorities of the Trump administration, focusing on the advancement of U.S. interests while voicing concerns over China's assertive policies in Taiwan and the South China Sea.
This exchange spotlights the delicate balance within U.S.-China diplomatic engagement, where culturally grounded expressions and historical grievances influence modern international relations. As both China and the U.S. navigate this complex interaction, the interplay of traditional customs and modern politics continues to shape the discourse.