The motorcade ferrying United States President Barack Obama to the Great Hall of the People yesterday paused before it rolled past the portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong at Tian'anmen Gate in Beijing.

Perhaps the entourage, en route to Obama's meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao, was admiring the iconic inspiration for the "ObaMao" T-shirt depicting the American leader wearing a Mao cap. After all, it's a big hit at souvenir stands in Beijing and Shanghai.

More likely, the convoy was following protocol, rightfully displaying respect - more for the Chinese people than deference to the helmsman long criticized by the West.