Telegraph: In his first official visit to China since becoming Treasury Secretary, Mr Geithner told politicians and academics in Beijing that he still supports a strong US dollar, and insisted that the trillions of dollars of Chinese investments would not be unduly damaged by the economic crisis. Speaking at Peking University, Mr Geithner said: "Chinese assets are very safe." The comment provoked loud laughter from the audience of students.

Geithner is "provoking" laughter worldwide with his actions and words. Loud laughter in China, howling belly-laughter in any other academic venue!

Black humour is the bread and butter of good comedians!

RUF