China🕣
State in the eastern part of the Eurasian continent on the western coast of the Pacific Ocean. Official name – the People's Republic of China. Population – 1.4 billion (as of 2020). Capital – Beijing. Official language – Chinese. State structure – system of People’s Congress under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. Main religions - Confucianism, Taoism.
China
Greeting
The most popular form of greeting in China is the handshake, contrary to popular belief that Chinese people greet each other by bowing, putting their palms together at chest level.
The bow is still used in some rural areas of China, usually during family gatherings, especially during major holidays such as Chinese New Year. While bowing, the person should cover one hand with the other one at chest level, moving the hands, thus folded, up and down.
The host is the initiator of the handshake at the beginning of the meeting, but when the meeting is over, it is the guest who should be the first to extend his or her hand to say goodbye.
The person in a higher position or older usually takes the initiative in the handshake. In this case, the recipient uses both hands as a sign of greeting.
The handshake should not be too long or too quick, but should be simple and easy, not too vigorous.
Throughout the meeting, maintain unobtrusive eye contact and try to be friendly and helpful.
Hugging, kissing, patting on the shoulder or back, and touching in general are not accepted in this culture.
If you are introduced to a group of Chinese people, they may start applauding as a sign of greeting. Do the same in return, it will be perceived as a polite move on your part.
Introduction
When greeting, it is important to choose the correct form of address. If you know your partner's job title, use it when speaking, e.g. Manager Wang, President Li, Chairman Mao.
It is also common to address your interlocutor using their professional qualifications or job title or academic degree, e.g. Professor Zhang, Lawyer Zheng, Engineer Wu, Dr He, Officer Zhao.
In the absence...
Exchange of Business Cards
Business cards in China are usually in Chinese and English.
Of the two or three names on a Chinese business card, the surname always comes first. This is what you should use when addressing a Chinese partner.
For a business card, choose the black colour (the most common), and avoid the red colour. Gold colour means the highest level of respect.
When handing a business ca...
Small Talk: Overview
Chinese attach great importance to developing and maintaining relationships. This is especially important in contacts with foreign partners. Small talk with the Chinese party is important.
At the start of your contacts, the conversation will be mainly around topics related to business or profession.
As the contact deepens, the topics will change and the conversation will includ...
Preferred Topics
The following topics are safe: weather, local food, clothes, hobbies, Chinese culture.
The Chinese will be pleased if you say something nice about their hospitality, the food offered to you, cultural events or the country in general.
Other countries and regions are also of interest to the Chinese, which can also be appropriate topics.
The Chinese are patriots of their c...
Taboo Topics
The first on the list of dangerous topics is politics, which in the case of China covers such issues as respect for human rights, freedom and democracy in the country, the situation around Tibet and the activities of the Dalai Lama.
The events in Tiananmen Square are a painful memory for the Chinese, as well as the events in Hong Kong and the Taiwan issue. Many are still sensitive to th...
Personal Space
In socialising, the Chinese feel comfortable being a little more than an arm's length away from each other. When meeting strangers (especially foreigners), they increase this distance slightly.
Physical contact during communication is not accepted in Chinese society. Touching is only possible between people who know each other well and for a long time. The exception is handshakes as a...
Communication Specifics
Initial contact with potential Chinese partners is often only possible through an intermediary. This can be a person with whom they are personally acquainted.
For the Chinese, connections, relationships, and contacts that they establish and maintain on a personal level over a long period of time are of great importance. This is the basis for building trust.
In this regard, the...
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