Beijing has modified the Chinese translation of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s name, leading analysts to suggest the move could be an attempt to circumvent China’s own travel ban on Rubio. The change is seen by some as a potential gesture of goodwill toward President Donald Trump.
Marco Rubio, a Florida senator who has labeled China the “biggest threat” to U.S. security, was confirmed as secretary of state by the U.S. Senate on Monday. The unanimous vote came hours after Trump was sworn in for his second presidential term. Rubio has been a vocal critic of China’s human rights record, particularly in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, which led to his inclusion on China’s sanctions list twice in 2020.
The change in Rubio’s Chinese name involves the first character of his surname. Previously, his name was written as 卢比奥 (Lú Bǐ Ào). However, a January 16 news release from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs used the characters 鲁比奥 (Lǔ Bǐ Ào), replacing the first character 卢 (Lú) with 鲁 (Lǔ). In Chinese naming conventions, the family name comes first, meaning Rubio now effectively has a new Chinese surname.
The reason for the change remains unclear, and its implementation appears inconsistent. While the foreign ministry used the new name in its official transcript of a January 21 press briefing, state broadcaster CCTV continued to use the old version in its reports. Interestingly, records show that both versions of Rubio’s name have appeared in Chinese state media as far back as 2016.
When asked whether the name change signals a lifting of the sanctions—which include a travel ban to China—a foreign ministry spokesperson did not provide a direct answer. “China will firmly safeguard its national interests,” spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated during a regular press briefing on Tuesday. He added, “At the same time, it is necessary for high-level officials from China and the United States to maintain contact in an appropriate manner.”
The Chinese Embassy in Washington also declined to comment specifically on the name change, reiterating Guo’s statement instead.
The alteration has sparked debate among analysts, with some viewing it as a symbolic move to ease tensions amid the complex U.S.-China relationship. However, the lack of clarity surrounding the change leaves room for speculation about its true intent.
Related topic:
- Skytopia at Hong Kong International Airport Set to Transform Travel with Culture, Commerce, and Leisure
- Technicians Ensure Smooth Train Operations During Spring Festival Travel Rush
- Komodo Launches Innovative Travel Marketing Platform with TikTok and Revolut
