US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with President Donald Trump and the US delegation, attended a summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 14/5.
A video circulating on social media shows Rubio repeatedly looking up and pointing at the ceiling of the East Room in the Great Hall of the People while waiting for the two leaders to begin their talks.
He appeared amazed while conversing with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, seemingly captivated by the building's elaborate architecture and decorations. He then gave a thumbs-up, indicating approval.
The US Secretary of State points at the ceiling in the Great Hall of the People, appearing amazed. Video: CNN
Many social media accounts humorously commented that it might be the first time the US Secretary of State had seen such beautiful architecture in China. However, others suggested that Rubio's reaction simply showed his appreciation for beauty, which is entirely normal.
The East Room is on the second floor of the Great Hall of the People, featuring a ceiling designed with traditional Chinese architecture. Notable elements include "dougong" (a system of interlocking wooden brackets) and "caisson ceilings" (intricately decorated coffered ceilings).
The hall's ceiling features three large, meticulously carved wooden octagons, each encircling a giant crystal chandelier. Behind the US delegation's seating area is a large-scale painting, 16 meters long and 3 meters wide, titled "Golden Autumn in U Yan."
The painting depicts an autumn scene in northern China and bears calligraphy by Chairman Mao Zedong. For many decades, the East Room has hosted China's most important diplomatic meetings, including the 2017 summit between Xi and Trump.
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US and Chinese delegations hold talks in the East Room of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo: AFP
Secretary Rubio also previously drew attention for wearing an outfit similar to that of Venezuelan President Nicolas Marudo when he was arrested by US special forces, during his flight on Air Force One to China. Rubio's attire sparked much speculation on Chinese social media.
"I didn't mean anything by it. It's a nice outfit. I mean, I like it. It's comfortable", Rubio said about the suit, jokingly adding that if there was an issue, President Maduro was the one "imitating" him, as he had owned the suit for a long time.
In 2020, while serving as a senator, Rubio was among 11 US officials sanctioned by China. This meant Rubio was banned from entering China, and Beijing had never announced his removal from this list. His presence during the trip to China also caused a stir.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a reception in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on 14/5. Photo: Reuters
China changed the transliteration of Rubio's name from "Lo Bi Ao" to "Lu Bi Ao", seemingly to avoid issues with his entry. Chinese officials also affirmed that he was only sanctioned for his "words and actions targeting Beijing while he was a US senator."
Ngoc Anh (According to SCMP, Yahoo News, CNN)
