Yin Ee Kiong

    THE general perception of China is heavily influenced by the following facts — it is the second-largest economy, a growing military power, and an increasingly affluent and influential nation.

    Throughout nations, China is generally regarded with respect; often envy and sometimes suspicion. But what about at the grass-roots level — on a people-to- people basis? How do those who have dealings with them view the Chinese?

    Is there any substance to the growing perception overseas of the “Ugly Chinaman?” Or is it a perception created by those jealous of China’s growing influence?

    But why China? one asks. The West have exploited Africa and pretty much the whole world for centuries and yet there does not seem to be the same resentment against Westerners. But then Western colonialism is a thing of the 19th and early 20th centuries. People have short memories.

    On the other hand China’s presence is current and impossible to ignore. The Chinese are prolific in building roads, railways and power-lines; stadiums and hotels. They are involved in businesses from farming to fishing, logging, mining and trading.

    With all these economic activities going on, there are bound to be conflicts with the locals.

    In 2010 there was a revolt against a Chinese copper mine in Zambia — and this was not the first time. In the ensuing fracas, a Chinese staff member allegedly shot and killed two Zambian employees. This has provoked a hue and cry from Zambians. The Chinese have also been accused of over logging in Gabon and their trawlers overfishing in the coastal waters off the Congo.

    However the greatest impact at grass-roots level is when Chinese entrepreneurs venture into small businesses in competition with local small businessmen. Here they interface directly with the man on the street. Traveling through South Africa and Madagascar one sees Chinese shops selling clothes, plastic wares and sundry items. Chinese restaurants and takeaways are noticeable if not yet ubiquitous. It would be no different anywhere in Africa.

    Because the Chinese are frugal, keep their overheads low and work long hours, they often beat the locals in business. This has caused resentment.

    It’s not just in Africa but also in the Pacific and South East Asian regions that the Chinese presence is felt and often resented. It is this resentment that led to the razing of the Chinatown in Honiara, the Solomon Islands capital.

    What is the real cause of this conflict between Chinese nationals and locals?

    On the one hand while the Chinese are admired for their diligence and frugality, it’s these very same attributes which have caused the ructions.

    The aggression and ethics (or lack thereof) that they apply to doing business, affects the livelihood of locals where it is most felt — at the lower rung of the economic ladder.

    Also it doesn’t help that the Chinese keep to themselves — seldom socializing with the ordinary people of their host nation, except for when it involves doing business. They eat as they do at home, and make little effort to learn the local language or adopt local customs, much less intermarry.

    Their dislike for dark-skin is another problem, especially in Africa and the Pacific Islands.

    Aside from work and business, many Chinese travel abroad as tourists. While countries are keen to get the Chinese tourist dollar, often locals find the Chinese habits — speaking loudly, not observing queues and public spitting — hard to take.

    Because of the large number of Chinese abroad (750,000 in Africa at the last count in 2007 according to The China Business Report), they impact on the local population — often negatively.

    It will take very little to erase the “Ugly Chinaman” perception. Chinese nationals, be they students or businesspeople, need to be given basic orientation about working and living in their adopted countries.

    Chinese should embrace the opportunity to spread goodwill by interacting positively with the host nationals. A volunteer service organization is one way to gain goodwill.

    In this respect there is no better example than Premier Wen Jiabao who in a recent charm offensive in Indonesia won the hearts of the people with his rendition of the popular Indonesian folk tune “Ayo Mama” and “Rasa Sanyange.” People appreciate our efforts in learning their culture and mixing with them.

    That’s how to win friends and influence people!

    (The author is a Malaysian published writer and editor, who has lived and worked in 10 countries.)

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