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Chinese Business Etiquette and Culture Guanxi is extremely important for a westerner to be aware of and to establish. It cannot be over emphasized how important it is in the Chinese culture. It takes time, energy and money to build up this trust. Don't rush. Being adept at cross-cultural communication helps you to advance Guanxi. Not everyone you meet in China conforms exactly to the prevailing culture. Regardless, it makes sense to apply common courtesy as you are in your own country or at home. Be on time. It's considered rude to be late. Arrive 10 min. before a meeting, 30 min. when you hosting a banquet. Environment. The sheer size of China creates traffic jams, noise, pollutions, crowding, dust. Plan your time, needs for privacy accordingly. Above quality service, necessities, lodging and goods are very expensive. Entertaining & Banquet. Be prepare to spend time and money on entertainment. Entertaining and banquet are part of building Guanxi. Take cue from your host on banquet seating and remember the seating order when you give a reciprocal banquet which you never upstage in value. Sample the food offered, make reciprocal speech and toast. Business negotiation. Most senior member should do the talking. Never show anger. Keep up your stamina. Communication. Chinese can be explicit, direct at times but usually they are uncomfortable to disagree or say no to you if they view the future relationship may be jeopardized. So rather than an outright no, they will say "it may be difficult". Find another alternative or direction. Similarly, if asked to do something you should not say "I can't" or "I won't" either.
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