As a business owner for the past 3 years in China, I think I have finally got to grips with how to deal with the Chinese. It involves a lot of 'giving face', and paying compliments. A business deal is usually not struck on the first or even second meeting. Also social networking is an important thing to partake in eg. QQ or Trade Manager, everyday after the deal often involves lengthy chats about anything at all, including your personal life, which you need to keep up, to maintain good relations. For more details on doing buisness in China follow the link below for some useful tips.

http://www.sourceinchina.eu/CULTURE.html