Chinese conflict resolution characteristically operates on longer timeframes than many other cultures expect. This reflects both strategic thinking—preparing conditions before engagement—and cultural valuation of patience as wisdom. What may look like avoidance or delay often represents active positioning: gathering information, building relationships, establishing alternatives, waiting for conditions to favor resolution.
When working through conflicts with Chinese counterparts, don’t assume that slow progress means no progress. Allow time for positioning and relationship work. Pressing for immediate resolution when conditions aren’t ripe may work against your interests. At the same time, use the time productively yourself—build your own relationships, understand the situation more deeply, develop your alternatives. The conflict may resolve when conditions align in ways that impatient forcing cannot achieve.
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