In China, always say 'yes' minister to avoid a faux pas

Published on Saturday 8 August 2009 19:53

SINO-SCOTTISH relations were at stake and the potential for offence was high. If your guests can't take their alcohol or there is hidden meaning in the way you lay down your chopsticks, then a diplomatic incident is never very far away.

So sensitive were civil servants about Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy's trip to Beijing earlier this year that the MP was issued with a guide to Chinese etiquette in an attempt to steer him away from social disgrace when representing the government.

The document, which has been published by the Scotland Office under Freedom of Information legislation, warns against offering a welcoming dram, arriving late for functions, using the word "no" or suggesting that China is a backward country.

"They are very sensitive to suggestions that they are 'backward'," the document said. "It helps to praise areas of China that are modern, built up and conspicuously wealthy – enthusiasm for poorer, more traditional or rural areas will cause bafflement and sometimes even offence."

Use of the word "no" causes "embarrassment and loss of face". Instead, Murphy was advised to say "yes, but it will be difficult" as an alternative.

Murphy was advised to bring gifts for his hosts in lucky colours, such as gold and red, and not to write on their business cards, as this caused offence.

When hosting his own events, the Scottish Secretary was warned of the pitfalls that could arise from the Chinese habit of downing their drinks to toast the company.

"Frequent toasts, finishing the whole glass to good health, Sino-British friendship and so on are standard. Many Chinese have a low capacity for beer or non-rice wine. If you host a meal, then soft drinks should be available."

The perils of overindulgence on the trip in March this year would not have been a problem for Murphy, who is teetotal.

But the mishandling of chopsticks was fraught with the potential for faux pas – a point worth bearing in mind when visiting a Chinese restaurant.

"Do not leave your chopsticks pointing into a bowl, as this resembles images Chinese associate with death. Place them horizontally on the rest provided," the guide said.