Then, in the 1980s, the state developed a green bug, and decided it shouldn't chop down Mother Nature for a living.

FORBES: New Geographer

Maggiolo's so-called "chop challenge" brought another brief moment of silence before one of the Chinese officials said the document didn't need a chop because it had his signature on it.

CNN: Vito Maggiolo: 'I challenged the Chinese'

'Excuse me, I said, but this doesn't have an official chop on it.

CNN: Vito Maggiolo: 'I challenged the Chinese'