Marco Rubio sworn in as the 72nd United States Secretary of State, marking the beginning of his tenure amidst heightened U.S.-China diplomatic tensions.

In the first interaction between the United States’ newly appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio and China’s veteran Foreign Minister Wang Yi, diplomatic tensions took center stage. During a phone call on Friday, Wang used a Chinese phrase that translates to “behave yourself,” a pointed yet polite warning that reflects the complexity of U.S.-China relations.

The call comes just four days after Rubio’s confirmation as President Donald Trump’s top diplomat. While Wang’s statement, “I hope you will act accordingly,” could be interpreted as an expectation for professionalism, the phrase carries an undertone often associated with cautionary advice from a superior. This subtle phrasing highlights China’s skillful use of diplomatic language to express discontent without derailing dialogue.

The warning follows Rubio’s history of strong criticism toward China during his tenure as a U.S. senator. Rubio had consistently condemned China’s human rights record, including its treatment of Uyghur minorities in Xinjiang and its actions in Hong Kong. These critiques led China to impose sanctions on Rubio twice in 2020, barring him from traveling to the country.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry statement about the call emphasized the need for mutual respect, while Rubio’s comments focused on advancing U.S. interests. According to a U.S. release, Rubio expressed serious concerns about China’s military presence in the South China Sea and its actions toward Taiwan, signaling that his leadership at the State Department will maintain a hardline approach on these contentious issues.

Rubio, during his Senate confirmation hearing, underscored the importance of understanding China’s original language to grasp its diplomatic nuances. “Don’t rely on the English translation,” he said, arguing that translations often lose the subtleties of intent. This perspective aligns with Wang’s use of carefully chosen phrasing to signal both openness to dialogue and a reminder of China’s expectations for respect and prudence.

China’s choice of words reflects its traditional approach to diplomacy, which often employs ambiguity to leave room for multiple interpretations. Experts suggest this tactic allows Beijing to communicate a warning while preserving the possibility for continued engagement. Zichen Wang, a researcher at the Center for China and Globalization, explained, “What might seem unclear to outsiders is an intentional strategy rooted in Chinese rhetorical tradition. It conveys both expectation and caution.”

While the Chinese government has indicated a willingness to engage with Rubio despite the sanctions, it has not clarified whether he will be allowed to visit the country for direct talks. The ambiguity surrounding Rubio’s ability to travel highlights the complexities of balancing diplomatic interactions with underlying tensions.

Rubio’s appointment as Secretary of State comes during a period of heightened U.S.-China rivalry. President Trump’s administration has consistently challenged China’s policies on trade, security, and human rights. Shortly after Trump’s inauguration, Beijing emphasized the need for a rules-based multipolar world, signaling its resistance to U.S. unilateralism.

As Rubio assumes his role, his approach to China is likely to continue emphasizing U.S. concerns about regional security and human rights while navigating the broader geopolitical competition. For its part, China’s carefully measured statements indicate its intent to assert its stance firmly while leaving space for future dialogue.

The conversation between Rubio and Wang reflects the ongoing complexity of U.S.-China relations, where diplomatic language often conceals deeper strategic objectives. As the two nations navigate this turbulent chapter, their interactions will remain under close scrutiny, with both sides carefully balancing firmness and cooperation.

Image is in the public domain and was created by The Office of Vice President of the United States.