I have lived in Africa, specifically Juba, capital of South Sudan, for several years. Understanding how African people perceive Chinese can help us see ourselves more clearly.

Chinese people are known for their hardworking nature and ability to endure hardships.

This is an impression commonly held by African people, although they cannot understand why Chinese people always work like ascetic monks, foregoing weekends or vacations and working long hours without earning extra pay.

African people take a completely different attitude toward work. They don't understand how the Chinese can enjoy life or what they do for fun.

On the other hand, Chinese think many Africans are lazy, and are not in the habit of saving money for the future as the Chinese do.

Another distinct feature of Chinese, in the eyes of Africans, is that they like to take shortcuts.

In contrast, Africans seem much more honest. They do what they are told rather than take advantage of loopholes, which the Chinese see as a stubborn trait.

The most startling difference between Chinese and Africans perhaps lies in intimacy. I often see Western men with African women or vice versa. But Chinese seldom find Africans as partners.

I heard a story in Angola, where local people found it strange that Chinese live a life seemingly without sex. After an African female worker had sex with a Chinese, it became breaking news.

Some African people think Chinese do not integrate themselves into local lives and have no intention of learning their culture or language. This is a common scene in many countries, where Chinese like to stick together.

On the one hand, this shows Chinese people's conservative nature, but on the other, it reflects their lack of vision.

There are many Chinese enterprises doing business in Africa. These enterprises are also a mirror that can reflect the differences between Chinese and Africans.

Although Chinese companies create lots of opportunities for local employment, local workers often find it difficult to adapt to the Chinese corporate culture.

In fact, we should learn from some aspects of the African ways of corporate management.

They believe that while juniors should respect those in senior levels, seniors should also respect the power of their subordinates.

However, Chinese practices sometimes seem to place the human dignity of subordinates under that of senior staff. This is something Chinese companies should reflect on.

It is also the Chinese companies' obligation to "do as the Africans do." One Chinese hotel in South Sudan held a Christmas party with local employees to improve relations between their Chinese and African staff.

Only when the two sides get to know each other more, can Chinese companies achieve better economic results in Africa.

As China is increasingly integrating into the world, businessmen going abroad, including those living and working in Africa, should have long-term vision. If China seeks long-term interests in Africa, every Chinese that comes to this land should behave well and respect locals, making themselves welcome guests by African people.

The author is a Chinese worker based in Juba, South Sudan. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn

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