Dos and don’ts behind the bamboo curtain

Mar 4 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

The Orient is not as inscrutable as it might first appear, but the golden rule is take an interpreter.

While every child is tutored in English from pre-school, the language of commerce is very different, says UKTI adviser, Beijing-born Dr Zhengming Yang. Although the business is generally conducted in Mandarin, it is complicated by many regional dialects.

Ceremony accompanies the exchange of business cards, which are presented with both hands. Don’t stuff them in your top pocket - you are expected to read them and take note of who you’re talking to. It is discourteous not to.

If you can’t use chopsticks when invited to dinner with the boss, don’t be embarrassed to ask for a knife and fork. Your comfort is their priority. “If you upset a guest, you are judged not to have come from a good background,” says Wen Cai.

The Chinese have a good sense of humour and laugh readily - even if they don’t understand the joke. If they do and it’s a bad one, they’ll laugh anyway: “They are very forgiving to guests,” says Wen.

Respect is as fundamental to the Chinese in business relationships as it is in their private lives and it is reflected in their dealings with Westerners. “The money is important, but friendship in business more so,” says Wen. “Real merchants think of long term relationships. They understand that integrity and honesty can bring you business for the long term.”

Don’t be surprised if, in the more sophisticated cities, such as Shanghai, lunch turns into a two hour nap. Normal business hours are still 9am to 5.30pm.

The Chinese are nosey. “They’ll come straight out and ask you how much you earn,” says Wen. Don’t take offence - they’ll expect you to do likewise!