During her visit to Beijing on Saturday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen engaged in a gesture that has drawn considerable attention and sparked debate. Video footage shows Yellen repeatedly bowing while shaking hands with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.

The action has been criticized by some, including former White House staffer Bradley Blakeman, who served under President George W. Bush. Blakeman expressed his disapproval to the New York Post, characterizing the bow as unbecoming of an American official and suggesting it projected an image of subservience.

Similar sentiments were echoed on social media platforms, with several users expressing embarrassment over the incident. Author Max Murray questioned Yellen's understanding of protocol, highlighting the lack of reciprocity from the Chinese official. Other commentators, such as James V. Lacy, linked Yellen's actions to potential negative impacts on the U.S. stock market.

During the meeting itself, Vice Premier He Lifeng seemingly implied a lack of rationality in the U.S. approach to China, urging the American side to adopt a more practical stance and uphold the consensus reached between the two nations' leaders in Bali. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to stabilize and enhance the bilateral relationship.

In response, Yellen defended U.S. actions related to national security, while acknowledging potential disagreements. She stressed the importance of open communication to avoid misunderstandings that could negatively impact the economic and financial ties between the two countries. Fox News Digital's request for a statement from the Treasury Department has not yet been answered.