- Title: China suggests sanctions on Rubio no longer in effect ahead of Trump visit
- Date: 16th March 2026
- Summary: BEIJING, CHINA (MARCH 16, 2026) (REUTERS) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON LIN JIAN WALKING INTO CONFERENCE ROOM JOURNALISTS SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON, LIN JIAN, SAYING: "China’s sanctions were aimed at Mr. Rubio’s words and deeds concerning China during his tenure in the United States Senate." NEWS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS EXT
- Embargoed:
- Keywords: Beijing China Foreign Affairs MOFA Marco Rubio Ministry Spokesperson USA
- Location: BEIJING, CHINA / MUNICH, GERMANY
- City: BEIJING, CHINA / MUNICH, GERMANY
- Country: China
- Topics: Asia / Pacific,Diplomacy/Foreign Policy,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA001436416032026RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: China’s foreign ministry on Monday (March 16) suggested that sanctions imposed on Marco Rubio are no longer in effect, as Beijing remains in communication with Washington over President Donald Trump’s visit.
“China’s sanctions were aimed at Mr. Rubio’s words and deeds concerning China during his tenure in the United States Senate,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, when asked whether the measures would affect Rubio’s ability to travel to China.
Beijing also signalled that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is expected to accompany Trump on his trip to Beijing, would be allowed to enter the country despite sanctions imposed on him in 2020 over remarks on Hong Kong and Xinjiang.
Chinese and U.S. officials are meeting in Paris this week, with potential areas of agreement including agriculture, critical minerals and managed trade that could be taken up by Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a summit in Beijing.
(Production: Wang Shubing; Alessandro Diviggiano) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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