US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended greetings Tuesday to those celebrating Losar, the Tibetan New Year – posting his wishes on the same day Chinese New Year is observed.
"Extending my warmest wishes to everyone around the world celebrating Losar, the Tibetan New Year. On this first day of the Year of the Fire Horse, we celebrate the fortitude and resilience of the Tibetan community worldwide," Rubio's post read. f
Extending my warmest wishes to everyone around the world celebrating Losar, the Tibetan New Year. On this first day of the Year of the Fire Horse, we celebrate the fortitude and resilience of the Tibetan community worldwide.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) February 17, 2026
While the post generated warm responses, it also sparked speculation about Rubio's motives. "Today is also the Chinese New Year. I feel like you're trolling China or at least I hope you are," one commenter wrote. Another added, "It was definitely loud enough for China to hear."
Tibet remains a sensitive issue in US-China relations, with Beijing viewing any official recognition of Tibetan identity as a challenge to its sovereignty. The gesture comes amid broader tensions between Washington and Beijing, including the US Navy's regular aircraft carrier presence near Taiwan.
