This section deals with China’s more recent past, defined as the years since 1979 when the ‘Open Door Policy’ was announced. It provides a highly condensed version of how Chinese attitudes and behaviours have been influenced by the events of post-revolutionary China, in particular during the Maoist era.
The upheaval and extraordinary pace of China’s break with its past in the early 20th century, and the constant political, social, and economic ups-and-downs since the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949, have had a profound impact on the modern Chinese mindset.
In particular, Mao’s Cultural Revolution, launched in the late 1960’s and spanning almost 10 years until his death in 1976, has been interpreted by historians, and the Chinese themselves, in different ways. The general consensus, however, is that China took a step backward, or at least did not progress significantly, during this time of upheaval and chaos.
The legacy of those chaotic years continues to influence the Chinese approach to many business and social situations today.
This is very useful – as not all Australians know about the history of some of our nearest neighbours and trading partners. It helps give a good context and grounding for working with people from China.
Chinese Business Etiquette 
This is very useful – as not all Australians know about the history of some of our nearest neighbours and trading partners. It helps give a good context and grounding for working with people from China.
I find it fascinating how historical events have shaped modern-day attitudes in China.