First Donald Trump insulted North Korea's Kim Jong-un, then, hours later, said he hoped the two could be friends in the future.
It is exactly the kind of contradiction that has typified his five-nation tour of Asia and left many observers scratching their heads. But what can we decipher about the US president's approach?
There are some in the region who may agree that it has been of massive benefit, but not necessarily to America.
The US president has certainly been treated like a king everywhere he has gone, and it is obvious that he loves being feted and flattered - perhaps especially now, given all the criticism back home.
In a foreign land, it is clear that if you treat him like royalty, he will behave like a polite guest. Boost his ego and he will not talk about nasty uncomfortable things like human rights and democracy.
Of course, we know that it does not take much for the statesmanlike conduct to fall away if the bear is poked.