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At a formal banquet, President Nixon was presented with three beverages: orange juice, wine, and Maotai, a potent Chinese liquor. Concerned about Nixon’s tendency to become unruly when drinking, Deputy Secretary of State Alexander Haig issued a stern caution regarding the Maotai. He explicitly warned that “UNDER NO REPEAT NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE PRESIDENT ACTUALLY DRINK FROM HIS GLASS IN RESPONSE TO BANQUET TOASTS.” Despite this advisory, Nixon chose to take a sip from his glass, though he moderated his consumption.