Recently, more and more China has been strengthening its position in the world market. The socio-economic successes of the Celestial Empire are attracting more and more attention to their country, which contributes to greater interest in the Asian market in general, and in the peculiarities of business etiquette in particular.
Due to the very large growth of the economy, the people of China are trying to adapt to the global rules in business communication, but still authentic, national characteristics are preserved when doing business in this country.
Greetings and acquaintance with Chinese partners
In general, the Chinese are very welcoming and friendly people. Walking up to a stranger on the street and talking is not something out of the ordinary.
When they meet, the Chinese shake hands or bow from the shoulders (just not to be confused with the Japanese - they bow from the waist when greeting). The older one usually greets first.
In business communication, the Chinese use the lady or the gentleman before the surname. It is also considered the norm to use a position (if it is a high-ranking one) or a title, and then a surname. In China, it is customary to call “you” (您- nin) to the elderly and unfamiliar people. Addressing only by name is acceptable among loved ones and relatives of about the same age.
When meeting people, the Chinese love to exchange business cards (usually two-sided - in Russian and Chinese). Taking and giving a business card in China only needs to be done with two hands.
The Chinese are rather restrained in business communication, they do not tend to actively express their emotions. The same goes for bodily contact. A pat on the shoulder, a hug or a kiss is perceived negatively by the Chinese, especially for the fair sex. In China, it is not customary to open the door for a woman or give her a chair.
During a business visit, it is not customary to point your index finger at a person (if you need to do this, then use an outstretched hand, with the palm facing up), click your fingers or put your feet on a chair.
In business communication, the Chinese also pay attention to the appearance of the interlocutor. They love restraint and modesty, but bright colors and extravagant outfits do not inspire confidence in them and cause a smile or even irony.
Gift exchange.
In China, when meeting partners, it is customary to exchange gifts and souvenirs. At the same time, if you are giving a gift, then it should be presented to the whole company, and not to a specific person. Gifts are also given and accepted with both hands (just like business cards). It is indecent to look at just presented gifts right away. The old-school Chinese usually always immediately refuse the present, in which case you need to insist on giving the gift, perhaps even more than once (until it is accepted). As a gift, you should not give piercing and cutting objects - this symbolizes the breakdown of all relations. Flowers are sure to give only an even amount, while in China white is the color of death, it should be avoided when choosing flowers for your partners. Also in China, the number 4 is an unlucky number - it is worth remembering this when choosing a souvenir.
The Chinese do not like to invite people to visit - usually meetings are made in public places. Eating, usually in China, is part of a business meeting, the refusal of which is perceived very negatively and is viewed as an insult.
If you are invited to visit home - which is a rarity in China - you should not forget about a gift for the mistress of the house - chocolate, liquor or cake will be the best choice. If you know that there are children in the family, then it is worth remembering the gift for them as well.