Rubio Nike tracksuit in Beijing sparks backlash on Chinese social medi

Last Updated:May 13, 2026, 18:55 IST

Marco Rubio wears grey Nike tracksuit worn by Nicolas Maduro on Air Force One before Trump Beijing visit, sparking Chinese social media backlash.

An unexpected fashion choice by Marco Rubio grabbed attention online just hours before US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for a state visit.

Instead of the formal diplomatic attire usually associated with senior US officials, Rubio was photographed aboard Air Force One wearing a grey Nike tracksuit — the same outfit that became infamous earlier this year after former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was photographed wearing it while in US custody.

The image was shared online by White House communications director Steven Cheung, who posted: “Secretary Rubio rocking the Nike Tech ‘Venezuela’ on Air Force One!"

Soon after, an official White House social media account posted a video comparing Rubio in the tracksuit with images of Maduro after his capture by US forces, calling it a “full circle moment."

The tracksuit itself had already become an internet meme after photos of Maduro wearing the grey Nike outfit during his detention went viral earlier this year, reportedly boosting sales of the clothing line.

Chinese Social Media Reacts

Rubio’s appearance triggered strong reactions among Chinese social media users and influencers, many interpreting the move as politically provocative ahead of high-level US-China talks.

One Chinese military commentator with more than one million followers reportedly described the outfit as “full of hostility," arguing Rubio deliberately wore the same clothing associated with Maduro’s capture by the US military.

Another user claimed Rubio was trying to prevent Trump from making concessions during meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Others dismissed the move as a publicity stunt by US officials.

Rubio’s China Visit Draws Attention

The controversy also revived discussion around Rubio’s status in China, where Beijing imposed sanctions against him in 2020 over his criticism of China’s policies in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

The sanctions reportedly included an entry ban.

However, Chinese authorities appear to have quietly found a diplomatic workaround by altering the Chinese transliteration of Rubio’s surname shortly before he assumed office as secretary of state.

According to reports citing diplomats, the subtle name change may have allowed China to bypass enforcement of sanctions linked to the previous spelling of Rubio’s name.

Rubio is accompanying Trump during the high-stakes Beijing visit, which is expected to focus on trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and broader US-China relations.

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