Pakistan, May 15 -- A diplomatic workaround reportedly allowed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to visit Beijing despite previously being under Chinese sanctions, drawing attention to an unusual behind-the-scenes solution by Chinese authorities.

According to reports, Rubio had been placed on China's sanctions list in previous years due to his strong criticism of Beijing's domestic and foreign policies. His inclusion on the sanctions list had created a diplomatic challenge ahead of his recent visit to China alongside US President Donald Trump.

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Under standard restrictions, individuals on China's blacklist are generally barred from entering the country, creating a poten...