12.07.2010
18:30 - 19:30

China And US, An Attempt To Decode Cultural Divergences

EGMONT - The Royal Institute for International Relations
Rue de Namur 69
1000 Brussels
Phone: +32 2 223 4114
Fax: +32 2 223 4116
Email: info@egmontinstitute.be

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Foreign & Security Policy

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Château de Val Duchesse
259 Boulevard du Souverain
1160 Brussels

After a long period of isolationism, 25 years ago China has decided to open the gate to the outside world, but this vast country remains largely unknown abroad. Quite often our behavior or our own traditions prove to be contra-productive in this different world. To stick to our own customs could even have negative consequences and jeopardize new contacts or prevent to build necessary relationships. Chinese citizens are proud of their ancient civilization and of their culture and customs. Therefore they expect some respect for them. It would be wrong to go to the Middle Kingdom the same way one does go somewhere else, in a somewhat globalized world of habits… It would be a serious mistake to ignore that fact.

Bernard Pierre, director of training and former Ambassador of Belgium to Beijing, on China and Us; Marc Trenteseau, Director General EGMONT.