by Samira de Castro Cunha
President of Federação Nacional dos Jornalistas, Brazil
As the world becomes increasingly globalized, understanding Chinese culture and society becomes ever more crucial. China, one of the oldest civilizations in the world, has a wealth of history and unique traditions that profoundly shape the way it thinks and acts.
One of the first steps to understanding China is to recognize its diversity. The country is immensely vast, with 56 different ethnic groups, each with their own traditions and cultural practices. From the imposing mountains of Tibet to the bustling cities of the east, China presents a wide range of landscapes, languages and customs.
However, access to reliable and diverse information about China is still a challenge. Much of what is known about the country comes from international agencies such as Reuters and France Press, which do not always manage to capture the complexity and diversity of the Chinese reality. This concentration of information sources can lead to a limited and sometimes biased view of China.
A fundamental characteristic of Chinese culture is its strong sense of hierarchy and respect for authority. Social relationships are shaped by the notion of “guanxi”, which emphasizes the importance of personal ties and loyalty. Understanding these hierarchical and relationship dynamics is essential to effectively navigating the world of business and social interaction in China.
Another crucial aspect is the profound influence of Confucianism and Taoism on the way the Chinese think and live. These philosophical systems emphasize harmony, moderation and balance, values that are reflected in the Chinese approach to life, work and relationships. Understanding these principles helps us to understand why certain attitudes and behaviors occur.
In addition, China’s history is marked by periods of great progress and innovation, as well as moments of turbulence and change. Events such as the Cultural Revolution and Deng Xiaoping’s Economic Reforms had a profound impact on Chinese society and mentality that continues to this day.
For those who wish to establish solid relations with China, it is essential to show respect and curiosity for its culture. Making an effort to learn the language, getting to know the history and traditions, and maintaining a humble and attentive approach to local customs are crucial steps towards a deeper understanding and fruitful collaboration.
As China continues to play an increasingly prominent role on the global stage, the need to understand its complex and fascinating culture becomes ever more pressing. By embracing this journey of discovery, we can not only improve our relations with China, but also enrich our own understanding of the world.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.