David Cameron rejects Chinese request to remove 'offensive' poppies during visit

Poppy wearers: David Cameron drinks a toast with Education Secretary Michael Gove (left), Business Secretary Vince Cable (2nd left) and Chancellor George Osborne at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing

David Cameron and four Cabinet ministers wore poppies in defiance of Chinese demands to remove them yesterday.The Prime Minister was told that allowing his delegation to sport the symbol would cause grave offense because it would remind Chinese ministers and officials of the Opium Wars.

Also known as the Anglo-Chinese Wars, they were the climax of trade disputes between China and the British Empire over Chinese attempts to restrict British opium trafficking.

China was defeated in both the First Opium War, from 1839 to 1842 and the Second Opium War from 1856 to 1860.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the end of the second war, which ended when British and French armies arrived in Peking and razed the Emperor's Palace to the ground.

The British victories in both conflicts apparently still weigh heavy on Chinese minds, since the prospect of British ministers and officials wearing poppies while attending this week's talks in Beijing prompted horror.

The poppy is the source of opium and Chinese officials were apparently unfamiliar with its importance in Britain in commemorating our war dead.

Mr Cameron, who is attending a ceremony in South Korea tomorrow to mark November 11, refused to remove his poppy, as did Chancellor George Osborne, Business Secretary Vince Cable, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne and Education Secretary Michael Gove, who are all accompanying the Prime Minister in China.

'When asked if it was a joke, the Chinese were stern-faced and said "No, we'd like you to remove them",' said one startled British aide.
'Clearly that was not an option so we tried to explain the importance of the poppy in Britain and informed them we would be wearing them all the same.'

Meanwhile, Mr Cameron took time out from official business during his visit to Beijing today to take a trip to the Great Wall of China.

The Prime Minister climbed a section of the wall at Juyong Pass, north of Beijing.
Signing his name in the visitors' book, the PM said the visit was a 'memorable' experience he would never forget.


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By James Chapman
Last updated at 11:45 AM on 10th November 2010

An English person's advice on how to be effective in business with Americans

The U.S.A. (America) offers business the world's largest commercial market. British Cathy Wellingshas some advice for those who wish to dip their toe in the economy “across thepond”.

It has been said that Britain and the USA are two countries
separated by the same language. Many assume that the Brits
and Americans are similar due to their colonial ties and 'special
relationship' but actually they are often more than just an
ocean apart. Since independence in 1776, the United States
has developed its own identity and ways of doing things.
Compared to the Brits, Americans have a more direct and open
communication style and attitudes which impact on the way
they do business.

Americans tend to be very easy to deal with due to their open
nature. They have a very strong work ethic and are not afraid
of taking risks to improve the success of their business. Success is often measured in terms of profit,so when conducting business, they will tend to prioritize tasks over relationships.

Just as former US president Calvin Coolidge once stated: "the business of America is business".

As the world's largest economy, America's influence on business culture is unmistakable and there are boundless opportunities for others to achieve their very own 'American dream'. In order to do so, one must first have an understanding of this young, diverse culture as well as knowledge of American
business etiquette.

The following tips will help ensure that you maximise your opportunities for doing business in the United States:

● Be punctual. Arriving late to appointments is considered disrespectful
● Meet deadlines. In the United States, 'time is money' and Americans place great emphasis on gettingthe best results in the quickest time
● Be polite. Politeness is highly valued in the USA and Americans will expect you to match their level of politeness
● Participate in small talk. Americans like to create a comfortable environment before conducting business by chatting for a few minutes
● Always remember to shake hands. It is customary to begin and end business meetings with a brief but firm handshake
● Remember to minimize physical contact. Americans respect other people's space and privacy and are very protective of their own 'personal bubble'
● Address colleagues with their appropriate title at first, but don't be surprised if you are invited to call someone by their first name soon after meeting
● Don't be offended if your American colleague seems frank. Americans like to get down to business and don't like to 'beat about the bush' when it comes to negotiating. They are often blunt which can be perceived as rudeness by certain cultures

Cathy Wellings is the culture and communication manager at Communicaid. She oversees the design and delivery of more than 500 programs in over 30countries every year. She has lived and worked in France and Spain as well as the UK, training professionals in culture and communication skills.