I Don't Think that the Chinese Gentleman is Joking

Steve Clemons notes the following discussion that he had with a Chinese official some years back:

Several years ago, I met with the Deputy Director of the Policy Planning staff of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and I asked him what he was working on -- and what China's grand strategy was.

His reply: "We are trying to figure out how to keep you Americans distracted in small Middle Eastern countries."

It's pretty memorable when one can joke and be truthful at the same time.………

Yes, it's funny, but I'm not sure if it's funny "ha ha", or funny "strange".