Diplomatic Etiquette and Perception in the Yellen-He Lifeng Meeting

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s recent meeting with He Lifeng, a top Chinese official, sparked a public discussion about diplomatic etiquette and how it is interpreted in high-stakes international encounters. Observers noted a sequence of gestures that drew commentary from politicians, academics, and media commentators about protocol, posture, and perceived strength. The video shows Yellen greeting He Lifeng with a bow that was noticeably deep, and it appeared that He Lifeng stepped back to give Yellen space for the gesture. Critics argued that the scene suggested a deviation from traditional American protocol and could be read as a sign of concession in a setting where power dynamics are scrutinized on the world stage. This moment became a focal point for debates about balance in diplomacy and the risks and benefits of certain ceremonial forms of respect in US-China engagements [citation: New York Post].