I remember when young George W Bush had his first run-in with China. A spy jet went down on Chinese territory, some atoll somewhere, and GWB brashly declared the cockpit to be US "sovereign territory."

He was pretty arrogant and, well, rude. Of course the wreckage should be returned, and China would probably have let the US float the whole thing out on a flat-deck to the pier, but thanks to his flapping gums, the Chinese made the US dismantle the jet with cutting torches and ship it out in bite sized pieces.

The Chinese are pretty smart and should never be underestimated. Nor should we apply our social behaviors. They don't casually laugh at or mock others the way so many do here. And they don't want much. It's not about ego, but it is about respect.

They will show themselves to be good teachers. They taught GWB some respect, and I have a feeling they will teach some to this new guy, who really needs it.