Cultural Etiquette for Business Meetings in China & Taiwan

When conducting business in Chinese-speaking regions such as China and Taiwan, cultural etiquette plays a crucial role in building trust and achieving successful outcomes. Business meetings in these regions often blend professionalism with cultural expectations, meaning that how you speak, behave, and interact can matter just as much as the content of your presentation.

Here’s what every international professional should know when preparing for business meetings in China and Taiwan.

1. Arrive On Time, Or Early

Punctuality is a sign of respect.
Even though some meetings may not begin exactly on schedule, you should always arrive early. Being late is seen as disrespectful and may create a negative first impression.

In Taiwan especially, punctuality is highly valued across all professional settings.

2. Use Formal Greetings and Titles

Titles matter. Instead of using first names, address people by their family name + title:

• 王經理 (Wáng jīnglǐ) — Manager Wang
  
• 李總 (Lǐ zǒng) — Director/CEO Li
  
• 陳老師 (Chén lǎoshī) — Consultant/Expert Chen

This shows respect and professionalism, especially during first-time meetings.

3. Exchange Business Cards with Both Hands

Business cards are more than contact information, they symbolize identity and status. The exchange is a ritual.

How to do it properly:

• Present your card with both hands, facing the other person.
  
• Receive their card with both hands.
  
• Take a moment to look at it before putting it away.
  
• Do not write on the card or shove it into your pocket.

In Taiwan and China, this simple gesture creates a respectful atmosphere.

4. Expectations for Communication Style

Communication in Chinese-speaking business cultures tends to be:

• Polite and indirect
  
• Calm and non-confrontational
  
• Focused on maintaining harmony (和氣)

This means:

• Avoid blunt criticism.
  
• Speak thoughtfully and tactfully.
  
• Use gentle suggestions such as:
  “我們可以再討論看看” (We can discuss this further.)
  “或許有其他做法” (Perhaps there is another approach.)

Tone matters just as much as content.

5. Meetings Often Begin with Small Talk

Before diving into business, expect light conversation about:

• Your background
  
• Travel experience
  
• Local food
  
• Basic personal interests

This helps build rapport and establish trust—an essential part of 關係 (guānxì), the foundation of business relationships in Chinese-speaking culture.

6. Hierarchy Matters in Discussions

Meetings in China and Taiwan often follow clear hierarchical structures. Senior leaders speak first, and others contribute afterward.

As a foreign professional:

• Acknowledge senior members
  
• Avoid interrupting
  
• When presenting ideas, frame them respectfully

Respecting hierarchy shows cultural awareness and strengthens partnerships.

7. Be Prepared for Decisions to Take Time

Decision-making in Chinese-speaking markets tends to be:

• Collaborative
  
• Carefully evaluated
  
• Long-term oriented

Rather than quick decisions in the meeting room, teams may prefer internal discussion and consensus-building afterward.

Patience is key. Pushing for immediate answers may be viewed as too aggressive.

8. Follow-Up Etiquette Is Essential

After the meeting:

• Send a polite follow-up email
  
• Express appreciation for the discussion
  
• Summarize key points
  
• Keep the tone respectful and formal

This reinforces professionalism and helps maintain momentum.

Strengthen Your Business Communication with Mandarin

Understanding etiquette is important—but learning key Mandarin expressions can make your communication even more effective. Even simple greetings or polite phrases can build trust and strengthen relationships.

With TutorABC Chinese, professionals can learn:

• Business Mandarin
  
• Meeting and negotiation language
  
• Cultural communication skills
  
• Industry-specific vocabulary

Flexible online lessons make it easy to improve your Chinese skills while managing a busy work schedule.

Start building your cross-cultural advantage. Book a free trial class with TutorABC Chinese today.

FAQ: Cultural Etiquette for Business Meetings in China & Taiwan

1. What is the biggest cultural difference in business meetings between Western countries and Chinese-speaking regions?

The most notable difference is the value placed on respect, hierarchy, and indirect communication. In China and Taiwan, maintaining harmony, showing politeness, and acknowledging seniority are essential. Meetings tend to be less confrontational and more relationship-driven compared to Western business cultures.

2. How should I behave if I don’t understand something during a meeting?

It’s completely acceptable to ask for clarification, but do so politely. Phrases like “可以請您再說一次嗎？” (Could you please repeat that?) or “我想確認一下…” (I’d like to confirm…) maintain a respectful tone. Avoid abrupt interruptions or overly direct responses.

3. Is speaking Mandarin necessary for business meetings in China or Taiwan?

Not always, but even basic Mandarin helps build rapport and shows cultural respect. Many professionals use interpreters or conduct meetings in English, but using simple Mandarin greetings or polite expressions creates a positive impression. Platforms like TutorABC Chinese help professionals learn practical business phrases quickly and effectively.