The lobbying seems consistent to me, ... In other words, as the U.S.-China relationship has become more complex, it's normal that our counterparts in China will seek advice. And Americans do the same thing. In Beijing, consulting is a big business.

They've begun to sense the volatility of the (trade) issue.

The Chinese view of the United States is quite suspicious, ... They are not certain of what our strategic intention of them may be and any act that appears to be bullying -- in their terms, hegemonic, unilateralist -- is bound to stir up passions on their nationalist part of the public.

Given China's record as a launching pad for other infectious diseases, transparency remains a big concern.

Economic problems are going to rise to the surface. Therefore, more Chinese firms will be turning for advice, lobbyists and consultants. Chinese companies want to invest here, and they don't want to make mistakes.

These events provide ample justification to those in China who want to see a slowing or even bringing an end to a better relationship with the United States.