General guideline of Chinese Business Protocol(Moved) - China Business - Business Talk - FOB Business Forum [A Professional Business Forum]

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#1

Post at 2006-11-27 20:10 Profile Space P.M. Buddy

General guideline of Chinese Business Protocol(Moved)

This article is from other BBS with little visit traffic, so I moved it here hoping more people can read it and enable you to do a successful business here in China.

I have to admit that this is a good article and bring general and omnibus idea about Chinese Business culture but there is still some changes to Chinese business culture after nearly 15years of economy development.FOB Business Forum._$f"_6R%I6v v

This article can help foreigners understand some idea of doing business with Chinese people; it will also benefit natural person who do international business in my opinion.

Hope you enjoy it.
Peter

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#2

Post at 2006-11-27 20:12 Profile Space P.M. Buddy

Business Dress

In Chinese business culture, conservative suits and ties in subdued colours are the norm. Bright colours of any kind are considered inappropriate.
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Women should wear conservative suits or dresses; a blouse or other kind of top should have a high neckline. Stick with subdued, neutral, colours such as beige and brown.[A Professional Business Forum]5}9Y+k9G/t#Z4P

Because of the emphasis on conservative, modest, dress in Chinese business culture, flat shoes or very low heels are the main footwear options for women. This is true especially if you are relatively much taller than your hosts. High heels are acceptable only at a formal reception hosted by a foreign diplomat. FOB Business Forum4_1J.\:q*G1j:{
business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business7f)D5T1V$V8o9a5?
Men should wear suits and ties to formal events; tuxedoes are not a part of Chinese business culture.FOB Business Forum$K!},J#g4V+b

Jeans are acceptable casual wear for both men and women.

Shorts are reserved for exercise.

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#3

Post at 2006-11-27 20:15 Profile Space P.M. Buddy

Conversation

Before your visit, it will be a good idea to prepare yourself by studying aspects of Chinese culture, history, and geography. Your hosts will appreciate your initiative.[A Professional Business Forum]-J8p$V O9p
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Negative replies are considered impolite. Instead of saying 'no', answer 'maybe', 'I'll think about it', or 'We'll see' and get into specifics later. You'll find that the Chinese will do the same. When your Chinese counterparts smilingly and politely or even enthusiastically say 'No big problem' or 'The problem is not serious', they usually mean 'There are still problems.' www.fobshanghai.com+[)|%C:W,|7e&_

You may be asked intrusive questions concerning your age, income, and marital status. If you don't want to reveal this information, remain polite and give an unspecific answer. Don't express irritation with the questioner, since 'losing face' has such negative implications in this culture. On the other hand, unless you are a very familiar personal friend, do not ask your Chinese hosts about their family although, typically, you can ask 'How old is your child?', 'How long have you been in the work force?' or 'Where is your child studying?' as a means of determining their marital status and age.

In Chinese culture, the question 'Have you eaten?' or or 'Where have you been?' is the equivalent to 'How are you?' in North America; it's just a superficial inquiry that does not require a literal-minded, detailed answer. Simply answer, 'yes', even if you haven't actually eaten or simply smile and say 'thank you.' [A Professional Business Forum]1L;Z-?;L/C0L2v'l'~
www.fobshanghai.com#~8q:l"Y-g&u h4?)M
Make an effort to learn and use at least a few words in Chinese; your initiative will be noticed and appreciated. Make sure you know the meaning and appropriate occasions for what you say.FOB Business Forum4K7d$R2v:T0X/]'e6n2n
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You may make general inquiries about the health of another's family, such as 'are all in your family well?' FOB Business Forum,o.u(e*e.g5h2I
business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business8w&y(e7q9@;B2q
During a meal, expressing enthusiasm about the food you are eating is a welcome, and usually expected, topic of conversation.FOB Business Forum3I"@5_7Q l([2T;o
[A Professional Business Forum],@.D"F-v;~*L%B3\4O
There is no need to avoid mentioning Taiwan. If the subject comes up, never refer to this island as 'The Republic of China' or 'Nationalist China.' The correct term is 'Taiwan Province', or just 'Taiwan.'

'Small talk' is considered especially important at the beginning of a meeting; any of the topics suggested in the next set of points will be appropriate for this occasion. FOB Business Forum-~6r+p4r8q.p6x
FOB Business Forum2{#Z;{5C2F$k9y3p-u7O
Welcome Topics of Conversation[A Professional Business Forum]8I%{4_3p3|
www.fobshanghai.com"E/I(S;~4B9N5?
Chinese scenery, landmarks
FOB Business Forum+N5Z$U(e(s4H'h
weather, climate, and geography in China
[A Professional Business Forum]7b-t8m$G&j'E N v
your travels in other countries'c,Z+l7N2Y*v

your positive experiences traveling in ChinaFOB Business Forum%I'u8E,\2L7|4B5C
[A Professional Business Forum]1l6F q3b8J0D;y
Chinese artFOB Business Forum&q:M;Y!F'P$^/?9M8~
www.fobshanghai.com3I%s!S!o'i.p
Topics to Avoid
[A Professional Business Forum]#s5\3c-a#?5e:A&c
Refrain from using the terms such as 'Red China', 'Mainland China,' and 'Communist China.' Just say 'China.'

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#4

Post at 2006-11-27 20:17 Profile Space P.M. Buddy

First Name or Title?

Addressing others with respectFOB Business Forum2j0p&o8q!V h(e*x
[A Professional Business Forum]+H0[!v/v/@
Chinese names appear in a different order than Western names. Each person has, in this order, a family, generational, and first name. Generational and given names can be separated by a space or a hyphen, but are frequently written as one word. The generational designation is usually the first word of a two-worded first name. This is still popular in some families, especially among the southerners and the overseas Chinese from the south. Most modern Chinese first names are single worded. The first names of those born during the cultural revolution era usually carries political meaning showing support toward Chairman Mao and his wife, Jiang Qing. 'S!`/K;[9N'@,U1I8N#n

Most people should be addressed with a title and their last name. If a person does not have a professional title, use ???Mr.???, ???Madam???, ???Miss???, plus the last name.
business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business/W"d A%E:d+s2Q7?3_7_
A married Chinese woman usually retains her maiden name; she will use her husband's last name on occasions for formal addressing only. www.fobshanghai.com-_1b,[%f7G.V%e-`%d5k*q
FOB Business Forum%a,q-\1B/h/x
Many Chinese adopt an English first name to make it easier for North Americans and other Westerners to address them. You can expect to hear some rather odd and rare English names as they try hard to be different from others. FOB Business Forum1J,q4M'?"j6l9r8A
business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business/H3?!p$C%q,s;C)u
Address people using official titles such as ???General??? ???Committee Member???, or ???Bureau Chief??? whenever possible. It is customary to address the deputies by skipping the word 'deputy,' such as, 'Chief' for 'Deputy Chief,' 'Chairman' for 'Vice Chairman' 'General Manager' for 'Assistant General Manager.' 3f)x-}6h+x/^-O
FOB Business Forum3N&R5e-F%`0r%V:[-a6x
Unless you're a Communist, never refer to someone as ???Comrade.???

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#5

Post at 2006-11-27 20:20 Profile Space P.M. Buddy

Gift Giving

- Part 1business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business7r'_8_+s/k"`'|4Q(z$d)O
Selecting and presenting an appropriate business giftFOB Business Forum#E;V5A#c3V'c(@"@0U

Lavish gift giving was an important part of Chinese culture in the past. Today, official policy in Chinese business culture forbids giving gifts; this gesture is considered bribery, an illegal act in this country. Consequently, your gift may be declined.
FOB Business Forum(p$E$n$o0U#B I
In many organizations, however, attitudes surrounding gifts are beginning to relax. In any case, you will have to approach giving gifts with discretion, as outlined in the following points.

If you wish to give a gift to an individual, you must do it privately, in the context of friendship, not business.4C%s*Q5U)V.@5B
www.fobshanghai.com&S!S!k$D5g${%r:n2D:[
The Chinese will decline a gift three times before finally accepting, so as not to appear greedy. You will have to continue to insist. Once the gift is accepted, express gratitude. You will be expected to go through the same routine if you are offered a gift.www.fobshanghai.com/Z9E4g)w#w*b s&c0^
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In the presence of other people, never present a valuable gift to one person. This gesture will cause only embarrassment, and possibly even problems for the recipient, given the strict rules against bribery in Chinese business culture. Do not take any photograph of any gift giving unless it is a symbolic gift presented to the organization as a whole.www.fobshanghai.com8s)|"o0l5a3X:q0Z5R

Giving a gift to the entire company, rather than an individual, can be acceptable in Chinese business culture as long as you adhere to the following rules:

All business negotiations should be concluded before gifts are exchanged.www.fobshanghai.com$W1E ^5o"[1n1Q#q
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Specify that the gift is from the company you represent. If you can, explain the meaning of the gift to the receiver.
business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business,G)h:K d+K u._:g8c
Present the gift to the leader of the Chinese negotiating team.

Do not get anything that is obviously expensive, so that the company will not feel obliged to reciprocate.

Valuable gifts should be given to an individual only in private and strictly as a gesture of friendship. www.fobshanghai.com;|,^(W9f0O*F

Make sure that the gifts given to people of the same level of importance are equitable or of similar grade. Somehow, they may find out later, and the difference may lead to strains in your relationship. FOB Business Forum.@"s.D6U5h/c"l-U
[A Professional Business Forum]6s/b:l&~4~
Do not wrap a gift before arriving in China, as it may be unwrapped in Customs.
FOB Business Forum1L/k3K;]7i:G#|(~&k
If possible, have your gifts wrapped in red paper, which is considered a lucky colour. Plain red paper is one of the few ???safe??? choices since a variety of meanings, many of which are negative, are attributed to colours in Chinese culture.
www.fobshanghai.com o*L#Y1n!r*c3V.|3`"Y:Q
Pink and gold and silver are also acceptable colours for gift wrap. Wrapping in yellow paper with black writing is a gift given only to the dead. Also, do check the variations from region to region about colours.
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Because colours have so many different meanings in this culture, your safest option is to entrust the task of gift-wrapping to a store or hotel that offers this service.
[A Professional Business Forum]-K-w%E6q!_
- Part 2
Selecting and presenting an appropriate business giftwww.fobshanghai.com7D.G1C8a4K |7E5{/@0F+G5`
FOB Business Forum8m(a,[6u+[,j8w#b
Appreciated Gifts business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business%K/{8U)J#P/l*~'U

a good cognac, or other fine liqueur
[A Professional Business Forum]1| G R0_8|-z1C1{*Z
a fine pen [not a pen with red ink--writing in red ink symbolizes severing ties] business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business9U.U5X%s3]6s/f'h

solar calculators

kitchen gadgets
business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business5F&B!y)K$m6P)W+H
stamps, if the recipient is interested in them [stamp collecting is very popular here]
www.fobshanghai.com!N't3I$} }9R:M9m(C
a cigarette lighter, assuming the recipient is a smokerFOB Business Forum"p'X,N+e#s"[!l0N#k

Often, gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver.FOB Business Forum&k:~8G+t*w7[#M
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Acceptable gifts for a company include items from your country or city, such as handicrafts, or an illustrated book. Be sure to bring a supply of these items with you, so that you can reciprocate if it happens that you are presented with a gift.FOB Business Forum'S!R(\'h:]

A banquet is usually a welcome gift; since it's likely you will be invited to one, you will have to follow Chinese business protocol and reciprocate. In some parts of China, although senior local officials host the welcoming party, you might be expected to pay for the cost of the banquet. Check this out and be prepared. business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business-[*z2M3k'Y

Gifts of food are acceptable, but not at dinner parties or other occasions where appetizers and meals will be served. Candy and fruit baskets, however, are acceptable as thank-you gifts sent after these events.
[A Professional Business Forum]+^6H4_$@-C.k0H3|0Y
Eight is considered one of the luckiest numbers in Chinese culture. If you receive eight of any item, consider it a gesture of good will. Six is considered a blessing for smoothness and problem free advances. Four is a taboo because it means 'death.' Other numbers such as '73' meaning 'the funeral' and '84' meaning 'having accidents' are to be avoided. www.fobshanghai.com6~0n1p0^(m4d

Gifts to Avoid

Scissors, knives, or other sharp objects can be interpreted as the severing of a friendship or other bond. As a gesture of friendship, if you do want to give these items as a gift, ask your friend to give you a very small amount of money, such as 10 cents or One RMB in return for this gift. By doing so, you would have 'sold' it to him rather than given it to him.
[A Professional Business Forum]3h6m"]:l&C;n(J7N1h8c/x
The following items are to be avoided as they are associated with funerals:
FOB Business Forum,g+E!p8j-j
Straw sandalsbusiness forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business#c9L!@4W*w/r#L6?9a/{:e
[A Professional Business Forum]*^!]8L$s*}3p
clocks[A Professional Business Forum]6Z/k)n v7l/g
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handkerchiefswww.fobshanghai.com;`0o+{(` k)d8z"i.z4F
FOB Business Forum,L!a!u$]1L'c9n
four of any item [the Cantonese word for ???four??? sounds similar, in the same language, to ???death???]www.fobshanghai.com%w(m4x-@7k$g2o#w V

gifts or wrapping paper in white, black, or blue

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#6

Post at 2006-11-27 20:25 Profile Space P.M. Buddy

Let's Make a Deal!

- Part 1
What you should know before negotiating

You'll find it beneficial to bring your own interpreter, if possible, to help you understand the subtleties of everything being said during meetings.*~8~.t,O;{8w*i8Y2]!p

Speak in short, simple, sentences free of jargon and slang. Pause frequently, so that people will be able to understand everything you've said.
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You will have to make presentations to different levels of the organization.
www.fobshanghai.com3R'H3`;P*\+G)Y
Before you arrive, have at least 20 copies of your proposal ready for distribution.[A Professional Business Forum]!b%q V)t-~3b,y
business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business"s6a6_(s;_(x7i
Printed presentation materials of any kind should be only in black and white. Avoid colours that are attributed special meanings in this culture, many of them negative.

Generally, the Chinese treat ???outside??? information with caution.
FOB Business Forum$R8O-X0Y8g2D'h'B)z
Except for those educated in the West, Chinese businesspeople largely rely on subjective feelings and personal experiences in forming opinions and solving problems. business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business.A9^+t3X W
FOB Business Forum:a"U'O;}3~4x*G$J/}&j
Belief in the Communist party line will be a dominant influence in all negotiations.

Empirical evidence and other objective facts will be accepted only if they do not contradict Communist party doctrine and one's feelings.[A Professional Business Forum]'E1]2@$Z5]3G'~

In this country, responsibility for all decisions rests with the Communist party and assorted government bureaucrats. Individuals working within this network, however, are still accountable for their own actions.FOB Business Forum.b3i#D0F2m"R8p$i!{
business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business/I/W;E!y1G8v%y0B
Local decisions are made by the head of the collective.3z9u#c&f$e$x+X9P2`
www.fobshanghai.com-N&Q!_7y)F#j6j T
In Chinese business culture, the collectivist way of thinking still prevails, even in sectors experimenting with free enterprise.[A Professional Business Forum]*M.e6_0A9k2`%^
FOB Business Forum-v!L.A.f.Q3~+k%]
???Saving face??? is an important concept to understand. In Chinese business culture, a person's reputation and social standing rests on this concept. Causing embarrassment or loss of composure, even unintentionally, can be disastrous for business negotiations.www.fobshanghai.com!Z7R,Y2q#I(T0@%n2H

The Chinese are very keen about exchanging business cards, so be sure to bring a plentiful supply. Ensure that one side is in English and the other is in Chinese, preferably in the local dialect.
FOB Business Forum/l.U'{-[5p
Include your professional title on your business card, especially if you have the seniority to make decisions. In Chinese business culture, the main point of exchanging business cards is to determine who will be the key decision-makers on your side.

If your company is the oldest or largest in your country, or has another prestigious distinction, ensure that this is stated on your card.
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It's an asset to have your business cards printed in gold ink. In Chinese business culture, gold is the colour of prestige, prosperity.www.fobshanghai.com6]8R-?+n3Q/E!g/E,L&a.b"}
FOB Business Forum,g,o"T&J#k/d7v

- Part 2
What you should know before negotiatingbusiness forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business8N-R-y*|*y
FOB Business Forum!R5[8J-`"a-F5H/w
Present your card with two hands, and ensure that the Chinese side is facing the recipient.
www.fobshanghai.com2?!^+t4g,g4t,R T
When receiving a business card, make a show of examining it carefully for a few moments; then, carefully place it into your card case or on the table, if you are seated at one.

Not reading a business card that has been presented to you, then stuffing it directly into your back pocket, will be a breach of protocol.

In accordance with Chinese business protocol, people are expected to enter the meeting room in hierarchical order. For example, the Chinese will assume that the first foreigner to enter the room is head of the delegation.
www.fobshanghai.com.n1I8c$z0a"B9b
Since there is such a strong emphasis on hierarchy in Chinese business culture, ensure that you bring a senior member of your organization to lead the negotiations on your behalf. The Chinese will do the same.FOB Business Forum;u2I#~-G9z*`
[A Professional Business Forum]0L*] G(a9s!h3[8U
Only the senior members of your group are expected to lead the discussion. Interruptions of any kind from subordinates are considered shocking by the Chinese.business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business6~"X-F.A4V.^-X(l.P

In Chinese business culture, humility is a virtue. Exaggerated claims are regarded with suspicion and, in most instances, will be investigated.
[A Professional Business Forum]'K-|"d"| D1J0_,a
The Chinese will not directly say ???no??? to you. Instead, ambivalent answers such as ???perhaps???, ???I'm not sure???, ???I'll think about it???, or ???We'll see??? usually mean ???no.???[A Professional Business Forum]2}/j#Y'p/y6R
business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business4h5n&h%R5T(s
The Chinese tend to extend negotiations well beyond the official deadline to gain advantage. On the final day of your visit, they even may try to renegotiate everything. (P*Q7?2n+\2i5|7j2P.a

Be patient, show little emotion, and calmly accept that delays will occur. Moreover, do not mention deadlines.
FOB Business Forum3`/p8_&a(r'q
At the end of a meeting, you are expected to leave before your Chinese counterparts.

You may have to make several trips to China to achieve your objectives. Chinese businesspeople prefer to establish a strong relationship before closing a deal. www.fobshanghai.com+W0[8^!R7M6M

Even after the contract is signed, the Chinese will often continue to press for a better deal.

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#7

Post at 2006-11-27 20:44 Profile Space P.M. Buddy

- Part 1
Entertaining for business success
www.fobshanghai.com$r5j/H0u-~7n2G%M#S
Business lunches are growing in popularity here. Business breakfasts, however, are not a part of Chinese business culture, except in Guangdong, Hangzhou and Fujian province where the 'Morning Tea' is very popular.
FOB Business Forum7b;t*R*z&d r
Evening banquets are the most popular occasions for business entertaining. Generally, these events start between 5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. and last for two hours. If you are the guest, you should arrive on time. business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business6C)N%o"D1X9J

If you wish, arrive around 15 minutes early to a banquet; your Chinese hosts and counterparts will probably be present before the proceedings officially begin.FOB Business Forum.k2g8u2t9O.t,x'H
www.fobshanghai.com5X'U"t%w M*e'M
Banquets are hosted with varying degrees of extravagance, usually in a restaurant. FOB Business Forum)k7W5d(F9G1p(x

Wait to be seated, as there is a seating etiquette based on hierarchy in Chinese business culture.FOB Business Forum6Q.t"u%P:l!I)e&A-a

Generally, the seat in the middle of the table, facing the door, is reserved for the host. The most senior guest of honour sits directly to the left. Everyone else is seated in descending order of status. The most senior member sits in the center seat. Follow this seating pattern if you are hosting a banquet or a meal in your residence, whether for business or purely social reasons.8j3a7E0i:g&j
FOB Business Forum"X4T;o1M&g9p'h:U
The host is the first person at the table allowed to begin eating by declaring the first toast. Then, the rest of the company can proceed with the meal. If you are the host, take the first piece of the most valued food and put it on your guest of honour's plate after the first toast. This will signify that eating can proceed and is considered a friendly gesture.
www.fobshanghai.com"G5r!["G0^$_(f
Business is not discussed during the meal.

It is not uncommon for a host to order enough food for ten people at a table of five. He or she loses face if there are not plenty of left-overs at the end of a meal. Rice, considered by many Chinese to be filler, is generally not served until the end of a meal. So, if you want to eat rice with your meal be sure to ask the waitress [or 'shou jie'] to serve it early, particularly if the food is spicy.FOB Business Forum:F3u)N)p:a'},^:I4F

During a meal, as many as 20-30 courses can be served, so try not to eat too much at once. The best policy is to lightly sample each dish. !N1_5L*^$m'T;t8k
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Leaving a 'clean plate' is perceived to mean that you were not given enough food--a terrible insult here. On the other hand, leaving a food offering untouched will also give offense; even if you find a dish unappealing, try a small portion for the sake of politeness.4~1H-b'f6F"{3F

One important part of Chinese business entertaining is a tea drinking ritual known as 'yum cha.' It is used to establish rapport before a meeting or during meals.

If you do not want a 'refill' of tea, leave some in your cup.9~;I,c:_0y,v*?5C
business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business/H6S2G S%`'V
If you are served food that does not require utensils, you may be given a bowl of tea for the purpose of dipping and cleaning your fingers. www.fobshanghai.com7e%?;F#x:q5^$]
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It's perfectly acceptable to reach in front of others for dishes and other items.
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Seeds and bones are placed on the table or in a specially reserved dish; never place these objects in your bowl.

It will be appreciated if you use chopsticks. When you are finished eating, place your chopsticks on the table or a chopstick rest.
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Placing your chopsticks parallel on top of your bowl is believed to bring bad luck.FOB Business Forum#H(S;k5~-~(V
business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business$s%V7u3[ y&F
Sticking your chopsticks straight up in your rice bowl is considered rude because in this position, they resemble the joss sticks that are used in Chinese religious rituals./A#Z'~ F9b4g/P+`

Do not put the end of the chopstick in your mouth.
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Try not to drop your chopsticks, as this is considered a sign of bad luck.
[A Professional Business Forum]%b%T:B:{8Q8g!A,V%W+`4c

- Part 2)W$r/J-J+y!x:_9w&e
Entertaining for business successbusiness forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business1F7P9A5Z%F#t;{%d
business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business!k)F*N#^3B,e*p!L2O5V
When eating rice, follow Chinese custom by holding the bowl close to your mouth.

Slurping and belching at the table can be perfectly acceptable: they are perceived as signs that you are appreciating the meal.
business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business(r0E:s(D8x:\3x:O)i(N
Scorpions, locusts, snake skin, bile, dog meat, soft-shell tortoise and blood are considered delicacies.

Toothpicks are usually offered between courses and at the conclusion of a meal. When using a toothpick, cover your mouth with your free hand for concealment.

Forming a personal relationship ['guanxi' in Chinese] in your business dealings is very important. Part of this involves participating in the strong drinking culture that exists here. Generally, the Chinese regard with suspicion anyone who does not participate in the inevitable drinking that takes place during almost all business dinners. And it is at these kinds of social occasions that most negotiating breakthroughs are made. Prepare some medical excuses for yourself to avoid drinking heavily; if you really wish to avoid alcohol, your companions will accept medical excuses.
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Toasting, usually with beer, wine or Chinese white liquors, is an important part of Chinese business etiquette.
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You will often find three glasses on your table: a glass for your drink of choice [toast with this glass], a wine glass, and a shot glass for a liquor called 'maotai' or 'wu liang ye.' FOB Business Forum,z$v,f X(m&z,J8v)n
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The host of a banquet offers the first toast. If you prefer not to drink alcohol, it's perfectly acceptable to toast with a soft drink, glass of juice, or mineral water. www.fobshanghai.com a1t%@.W)o'B
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Toasts will be proposed throughout the meal. Two popular toasts are 'ganbei' ['bottoms up!'] and 'kai wei' ['starting the appetite!'].

Sometimes, the Chinese enjoy testing the ability of a foreigner ['lou wai'] to handle his or her alcohol, especially 'er gua toe', a potent clear alcohol that one might compare to airline fuel. A good practice would be to eat something beforehand.

Before smoking, it's polite to offer cigarettes to those in your company.
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The meal has reached a definite conclusion when fruit is served and hot towels are presented. Shortly after these items are offered, guests should make preparations to leave. In accordance with Chinese business etiquette, the host will not initiate the guests' departure.
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Tipping is generally considered an insult in China. Most government operated hotels and restaurants prohibit acceptance of tips. It is sometimes expected, however, in some of the bigger hotels and by younger service personnel, in the more open cities.
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Follow Chinese business protocol and reciprocate with a banquet of the same value; never surpass your host by arranging a more lavish gathering.

Generally, the Chinese are not great experimenters when it comes to their diet. Unless he or she has traveled extensively, the typical Chinese businessperson doesn't like Western food. Better to take your guests to a good Chinese restaurant rather than, for example, the latest French restaurant opening in Beijing. They'll appreciate it. FOB Business Forum1n8C/[;d!y6K5r

If you are hosting a banquet, you should arrive at least 30 minutes before your guests. www.fobshanghai.com%s*W/b*L(c&[:a)V

Home entertaining is very popular in China. If you are invited to a Chinese home, you will probably be asked to remove your shoes. Arrive on time, but not too early.
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When inviting people to your home, avoid serving cheese: it is usually incompatible with the national diet.

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Post at 2006-11-27 20:45 Profile Space P.M. Buddy

Public Behaviour

Acceptable public conduct[A Professional Business Forum]/Y%X#B2P%{!{*?
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The Chinese will sometimes nod as an initial greeting. Bowing is seldom used except in ceremonies. Handshakes are also popular; wait, however, for your Chinese counterpart to initiate the gesture.www.fobshanghai.com"y*G2o!O!h!y
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If you visit a school, theater, or other workplace, it is likely that you will be greeted with applause as a sign of welcome. In turn, you should respond by applauding back.
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Avoid making expansive gestures and using unusual facial expressions.
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The Chinese do not use their hands when speaking, and will only become annoyed with a speaker who does.
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Some hand gestures, however, are necessary. They are outlined in the next two points.*r5s:l3E(d9B
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To summon attention, turn your palm down, waving your fingers toward yourself.www.fobshanghai.com4`:\-e:z+B%Y#T"[5T/@
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Use your whole hand rather than your index finger to point.
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The Chinese, especially those who are older and in positions of authority, dislike being touched by strangers. [A Professional Business Forum]&K2v)|9?#o/M;_
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Acknowledge the most senior person in a group first.,@#i*{3{ I8E/s8M'_8|

Smiling is not as noticeable in China, since there is a heavy emphasis on repressing emotion.
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Members of the same sex may hold hands in public in order to show friendliness.www.fobshanghai.com8]!P-S0I L)I"u3w+a

Public displays of affection between the sexes are frowned upon.
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Do not put your hands in your mouth, as it is considered vulgar. Consequently, when in public, avoid biting your nails, removing food from your teeth, and similar practices.

Pushing and cutting ahead is common in lineups among Chinese, but they do not appreciate being cut in front of themselves.FOB Business Forum:h1V,s+]:g7u#m

Spitting in public is no longer acceptable. It is subject to a heavy fine now.
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Blowing your nose with a handkerchief is also acceptable, but it is advisable to turn away from people while doing so.