U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen faced ridicule on social media after appearing in several videos displaying signs of imbalance, which frustrated Americans who called for her accountability, believing she was "bowing" to China. According to American media reports from accompanying delegates, the "Jian Shouching" mushroom, which causes hallucinations if not properly cooked, may be behind her disconcerting behavior.
American newspapers reported that during her recent visit to China, Yellen dined at a restaurant and ordered four servings of "hallucinogenic mushrooms" just three nights before her meeting with Chinese officials. The "Jian Shouching" mushroom has narcotic properties and is part of a traditional dish in China, which Yellen ordered at the Beijing Yi Zhu Yi Wang restaurant. Three days later, she met with the Chinese official and made an unusual gesture by bowing multiple times. Video footage showed Yellen approaching Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and bowing several times while enthusiastically shaking his hand.
Former White House official Bradley Blakeman, who served during President George W. Bush's administration, told the New York Post that this gesture was inappropriate. Shortly after Yellen's meal became known, it sparked discussions about the narcotic properties of the mushroom on Chinese social media. Professor Peter Mortimer informed CNN that the mushroom is considered toxic due to its potential to cause hallucinations, sharing that a friend of his accidentally consumed it and experienced hallucinations for three days. Following Yellen's visit, the Chinese state news agency Xinhua published a report on how to safely consume the mushroom.
