Will Chinese sanctions affect Rubio's visit to China? Foreign Ministry responds

Foreign Ministry website news, March 16, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian hosted a routine press conference.

An AFP reporter asked whether the media reports that U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo might visit China later this month with President Trump are true. Since Pompeo has been sanctioned by China since 2020, will these sanctions affect his visit to China?

Lin Jian stated that the sanctions against Pompeo target his actions related to China during his tenure as a U.S. senator.

Pompeo (formerly translated as “LubiO”) has long played the role of a “hardline anti-China figure” in U.S. politics. Due to his poor stance on issues related to Xinjiang and Hong Kong, he was added to China’s sanctions list twice in July and August 2020.

On January 21, 2025, an NBC reporter asked whether China is considering lifting sanctions on Pompeo.

At that time, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiajun responded, “China will firmly safeguard its national interests, and it is necessary for high-level officials from China and the U.S. to maintain appropriate contact.”

The next day, a New York Times reporter asked whether the recent change of Pompeo’s Chinese name to “鲁比奥” (LubiO) indicates that he is no longer under Chinese sanctions.

In response, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, "I haven’t noticed this detail yet, but I can look into it. However, I think the more important aspect is his English name. Regarding sanctions, my colleague already explained China’s position yesterday. What I can tell you is that China’s sanctions target actions that harm China’s legitimate rights and interests."

This article is an exclusive report by Observer Network. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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