What is the best way to deal with something like this? Not that I'm going back to China any time soon. Just from a curiosity standpoint.
Strange that this guy attracted black Audi cop interest, I’ve only ever seen them when they were hauling away a North Korea student from a Haidian Starbucks.
As an example, normal police in Beijing walk on egg shells since many people have lots of connections to bare. So a bunch of rich kids smoking weed isn’t something they will go near, so those are busted by the Black Audi people (who have strong enough connections to resist whatever).
I think you answered your own question.
Bribe them, it's business as usual there. When approached by officers, this is what they are likely expecting.
The other downside to bribery is if you have money, you become a real target as everyone will start harassing you in exchange for bribes.
No one is fleecing you, and the costs are predictable using basic math.
You may be thinking of Lobbying, which is a totally different phenomenon.
Is this a US-citizen thing? I haven't heard that before and am curious.