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BRIEF NO 14
PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO CHINA AND HONG KONG, 18-21 DECEMBER 1984
CHINESE PROTOCOL AND COURTESY: BACKGROUND NOTES
General
1. Despite their Marxist philosophy, the Chinese are not noticeably egalitarian, and attach considerable importance to protocol and formality. Ministers and senior officials are accorded at least as much respect as their counterparts in the
West.
Official Talks
2.
Normally only the senior Chinese will speak. His natural inclination will be to go in for (sometimes lengthy) statements of known Chinese positions, rather than the relaxed give-and-take
of conversation.
Speeches
3. Formal speeches are de rigueur at most banquets (the normal term for a Chinese-style dinner in China). At the welcoming banquet, usually after the first (cold) course, the host will make a prepared speech in serious terms. At the end he will propose a toast, and may circulate around the top table, clinking glasses with the principal guests. The principal guest is then expected to reciprocate with a similarly serious speech, and toast. is not appropriate on such occasions to make off-the-cuff remarks, and jokes are risky. The process will be reversed at the return banquet, and the speeches shorter and less formal.
Chinese Drinks
4.
It
At a banquet, guests will usually find at their table-setting three glasses, for a fiery white spirit called 'Maotai'; for red wine; and for beer/soft drinks. 'Maotai' (pronounced 'Mow' now 'tie') is an acquired taste. It is the prince of Chinese
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