In dealing with product safety complaints from the United States, China has sought to convince a concerned American public that it has reformed and is doing all it can to ensure the safety of its products. But its dealings with other, less-developed countries or those in vulnerable political positions are a different story.

This absolutely mirrors my experience in China (albeit on a micro rather then macro level). I think it also provides an object lesson for those looking to do business/trade/law in China. In China, where the adversary/opponent/partner is deemed more dangerous or stronger … the Chinese method is to seek to assuage rather than confront but at the same time working an end-run strategy. Where the adversary is seen as weak the Chinese method is to confront, ignore while all along advocating in the principle that, “resistance is futile.” From a practical standpoint what this should make clear is, if you’re doing business/law/negotiations in China and you have the upper hand, don’t believe the praise being dropped on you, just continue to press until you succeed/get what you want. Conversely, if don’t have the upper hand, follow the Chinese way … shower praise, act docile and plan your end-run.

Asians Say Trade Complaints Bring Out the Bully in China