How something simple can destroy credibility

SINGAPORE (Jan 15): Our relationship with China is sometimes complex trade and foreign policy strategy, and sometimes it is much simpler. And it is the simple bit that can quickly destroy credibility. A simple mistake can cast into doubt the veracity of previous statements and insights.

Recently, a Western journalist based in China for the past six years opened her lengthy analysis by saying: “In China, the daily greeting is not the standard ‘How are you?’ Instead, people are more likely to ask whether you have eaten yet — ‘ni chi le ma?’” She claimed that this was a generic greeting for friends and strangers alike.