China
- Challenging Someone Publicly: This could cause them to “lose face,” a significant concern in Chinese society, which could ruin your business relationship.
- Poor Dining Etiquette: Never stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, as it resembles a funeral ritual.
- Discussing Sensitive Political Issues: Topics like Taiwan, Tibet, or the Tiananmen Square incident should be avoided.
- Ignoring Seniority: Like in Japan, the eldest or most senior person should always be greeted first in a group setting.
- Failure to Bring a Gift: It’s often expected to bring a small gift as a sign of respect during business meetings.