Broadly compared to Western culture, Chinese is a less touchy culture. Although Chinese language TV shows are showing Chinese shaking hands with business contacts, they are not comfortable doing so. Native Chinese interactions often shy away from the handshake and with SARS and other diseases not far from their minds, handshakes are unpopular for more reasons. If you have shaken hands with the culturally Chinese, the average Liu, not counting Chinese Americans, you might have noticed it was awkward. Sometimes they will hold your one hand in both of their hands. That is a sign of strong affection to be used sparingly. In this photo Chinese Premier Li Keqiang looks a little taken aback by the overly affectionate reception he didn’t expect to receive from former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.
