Learn Chinese Business Etiquette
Wear a formal suit for important meetings and dress nicely for others – business casual is considered too casual.
Bring your team if you can, or at least an assistant and translator. Gain your hosts' respect by showing you are the boss.
Gifts are appreciated. It's best to give something of real value; smaller gifts, like company logo items, should be secondary.
Formal introductions are preferred. Stand when you're being introduced and stay standing for all introductions. For a formal greeting, shake hands gently; a nod or small bow is optional. Wait for a woman to extend her hand before extending yours.
Address colleagues with their full name – last name first. Formally, the last name precedes the title.
If possible, have a two-sided business card, with Chinese on one side. Accept a business card with both hands and treat it carefully. Look at both sides and, once seated, place all the cards you've collected on the table.
It's polite to show little emotion on a first meeting; don't mistake this for unfriendliness. And don't be overly familiar with your colleagues or effusive with complements or gratitude.
Business relationships are solidified by dining out socially; entertaining is an extremely important part of establishing good will. Before you head out to a business dinner, learn about Chinese Banquet Etiquette.
Conversation Do's and Don'ts
DON'T boast about your company's achievements or talk too much about yourself – both are considered impolite.
DON'T talk politics or compare USA policy to China's.
DO remember to refer to China as the People's Republic of China and Taiwan as called the Republic of China.
DON'T worry about moments of silence during business meetings. They don't mean something is wrong.
DO expect to be asked personal questions about your family, your age or your marital status, for example.
DO be careful how you use gestures to communicate. Pointing or motioning with your index finger, snapping your fingers and whistling are impolite.