Yao Ming was in the audience of about 600 as former President George Bush introduced Chinese leader Jiang Zemin. Bush also introduced the 7' 5" Yao as the newest Texan from China.
Jiang later asked Yao, who was seated nearby in the audience, to stand then marveled at his height. The Chinese president told Yao: "You're much taller than I am." Jiang then listing his own height at 1.74 meters, or about 5' 7".