James Mattis’ visit to China has apparently ended on a high note, with a Chinese officer performing a rousing rendition of ‘Edelweiss’ for the US Defense Secretary during dinner. A few Americans – but not Mattis – joined in.
Mattis has spent the last few days in China, in hope of smoothing things out between Washington and Beijing amid growing economic and military tensions. While Mattis called the talks “very, very good,” he also seemed impressed by the singing.
During what has been reported as a welcome dinner for the defense secretary, Mattis was treated to a performance of “Edelweiss” – a show tune from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music, which was later popularized by the film adaptation of the same name.
At one point during the song, the Chinese singer gives Mattis the microphone – but the “Mad Dog” doesn’t appear to sing anything. Luckily, several other Americans – including a uniformed officer – join in, bailing out the Defense Secretary.
After the song, Mattis shakes the singer’s hand and thanks him. “You did well,” the Chinese singer responds.
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