Differences often cause misunderstandings. It is often for us to judge another culture through our own cultural lenses. The "walls" could be easily built by misunderstandings and poor judgment. I truly hope this discussion is a way of introducing Chinese people and the culture to all. I have a lot to learn from you.
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For majority Chinese people who have few direct physical contact with foreigners in China, a handshake is NOT a way to demonstrate one's confidence or sincerity as Western professionals have emphasized. Sometimes we may encounter the "dead fish" handshakes from men as many business etiquette trainers in the West describe.
Cultural background:
Old generation Chinese are not comfortable intentionally having physical contact with strangers in particular with foreigners. However, most Chinese are not bothered by bumping into each other in public on crowded streets, in busy buses, subways & train stations etc.
It is not Chinese tradition to shake a hand as a way of greeting in the past.
Shaking a woman's hand by another man firmly might be mistaken for being too eager or perceived as harassment - it is very tricky.
Most Chinese are a bit shy when they have to shake a foreigner's hand.
Two hand handshakes mean:
1. respect to officials, or elderly people etc. [below references with good examples from the President Obama and the First Lady of the USA and Queen Elizabeth]
2. good friends
3. eager to make good relationships in the near future.
...
Please share your thoughts with the group.
Thank you in advance !
References:
"Obama Meets Chinese President Hu" from CNN on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu6-UEx3pus&feature=related
"Queen Elizabeth Meets President Obama At Buckingham Palace" from CNN on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPkxw3WtaZs&feature=related
Source:
Handshakes in China - Cultural Differences on the LinkedIn Group "World & Shanghai"
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