Hello , Peter, very nice to meet you. Thank you for giving me this lesson in Chinese business etiquette.

Not at all.

Now I have to ask you, am I dressed for the part?

Absolutely perfect for Chinese business meeting, conservative color, long skirt.

All right, good to hear. Well let's start the meeting then.

Let's go, this way.

This is my business card.

Thank you.

Notice how I present it to you with the English side facing you.

Oh, OK , then I should do the same for you.

Here is my business card.

Oh, wonderful.

Should I have ... you get yourself a Chinese name . Notice how I spend a little bit of time paying attention to detail of the card as a sign of respect.

A business meeting sometimes ends with a gift exchange. Here are some CNN branded gifts. Would these be appropriate to give in China?

Er , some of them like the iPod might be too expensive, it could carry a bribery undertone. But the other side might feel uncomfortable, because we, he would have to reciprocate with something of equal value.

Of this , this is a photo CD. Would this be a more appropriate choice?

That is a perfect gift , that is , introduce your company, your city or your country.

Ok, well, that wraps up the session here but our etiquette lesson will continue tonight over dinner?

Ok, I'll see you then.

So Peter, tell me, how important is dinning to building a business relationship in China ?

It is a cultural way. Chinese people regard eating as one of the most important things in their lives as they say "民以食为天".

What does that mean?

That means eating is as important as the sky.

Now this is the dish that maybe some overseas businessmen or women might find a little bit unpalatable----it’s sea slug. We also have a sautéed bullfrog . If, if you are a business person you are being offered these as a guest in China, and you don't want to eat it. What'd you do?

I would just say "谢谢，这个我免了".

"谢谢" like this, and then no one's feelings are hurt , (no one's feelings...) everything is fine (right) .

And now we have the fish, I notice it's looking at me, it's pointing this direction. What does that mean?

That means er, you would have to drink a glass of white liquor because the head of the fish is pointing toward you.

Ok, then ...

That's that's a custom from the North.

If that is a custom, then I would have to drink a glass of white liquor, so please.

Ok, now these white liquors are pretty serious stuff. When being served this, can the guest be in a position to decline at all?

Yes, but the, the host would naturally prefer that you join him in drinking it.

Well, I'm going to have to join the host then to a toast?

That's right .

Ok, now I've just struggled to get lower than your glass.

That's right , and the host , try to lower his glass under yours to show his respect to you. Bottoms up!

"干杯!"
"干杯"
Kristie Lu Stout, CNN shanghai