【正文】 icans will not ask about one’s age, ine, and marriage when they talk with others. They think that it is a violation of people’s privacy. However, people often ask these questions in China. 　　Americans like to express their opinions frankly and directly, but Chinese people like to express their opinions euphemistically. Generally speaking, Americans will give a specific answer to people who ask about some certain things. However, Chinese people advocate the view that silence is gold. In the United States, it is mon to see that the elders and younger generation kiss and pat the shoulder for each other when they meet, while in China people will not do like that. Americans are very punctual when doing anything. But Chinese people can often understand and forgive the lateness which cause by some reasons. So the different habits and customs between China and the United States are still obvious.　　In 1992, a Chinese delegation of 12 experts went to the United States to buy about 30 million dollars of chemical equipment and technology. Americans tried their best to entertain the delegation. So after the first round of negotiations, Americans gave a small remembrance to every delegate. Every remembrance is packed with a beautiful red box. Red often reflects something good and happy in their view. According to the habit of Americans, people like to open the present face to face. So the delegates opened the box happily immediately. They found that there was a green golf cap in the box, so they felt very angry. For Americans, they intended to play golf with the delegates after signing the contract. But they did not know that wearing a green cap is the biggest taboo for the people in China. At last, the delegation did not sign the contract with Americans.　　From this case, we can see that Americans are reckless of their work. Wearing a green cap is the biggest taboo for the people in China. But they did not know this mon sense at all. So Chinese may think that Americans do not respect them. The main reason why the negotiation failed at last is Americans do not know the Chinese custom. And we can see that the different customs between China and the United States may affect the business negotiations. Therefore, we can realize that having a correct understanding of cultural differences is very important in the international business negotiations. So negotiators should take into account of customs to avoid the misunderstanding. Negotiation styles in . business negotiations　　The negotiation style refers to the behavior, hobby and habit of the negotiator as well as the way the negotiator speaks in the negotiation. Because of different cultural backgrounds, the negotiators from different countries have different negotiation styles. And different negotiation styles will affect . business negotiations.　　In accordance with the characteristics of Chinese culture, people often talk about the principles first rather than the details in the negotiations. On the contrary, Americans pay more attention to the details and try to avoid discussing about the principles. Such differences often lead to the difficulties in the crosscultural munication. Chinese people like to reach an agreement on general principles before dealing with the details and solve the specific problems in the future. It will enable them to stay in an advantageous position if they make a bargain with others in the future. Whereas, Americans consider that the details are the most important things, so they prefer to spend time in talking about details rather than spend time in talking about the principles.　　Americans like to make specific conclusions at the end of the negotiations. In their view, the negotiation often es to an end after both of the parties have signed the contract. They will protect their rights and stipulate the obligations in accordance with the contract exactly. Therefore, the content of the agreement will be detailed and lengthy. And they often sign the contract by mail. But in China, people like to hold a ceremony to sign the contract and hold a celebration after signing the contract.　　In February 1972, President Nixon paid a visit to China. An international business negotiation which had historical significance was held between China and . Under the leadership of the Premier Zhou Enlai, Chinese made preparations and arrangements for the process of negotiation and even selected the folk music for the banquet carefully. In the state banquet, when Nixon listened to the music American the Beautiful performed by the military band, he was astonished. He never thought he could hear such familiar music in China. American the Beautiful was his favorite music and was performed in his inaugural ceremony. He was very happy and showed his gratitude to the band. At last, the negotiation went on successfully. From this case, we can see that a harmonious atmosphere is very important in business negotiation. In order to create a harmonious environment and atmosphere for the negotiations, Chinese side made preparations carefully. The performance of the music American the Beautiful made Nixon feels very grateful. The main reason why Chinese won the negotiation is that they understood other team’s negotiation style and made good preparations before the negotiation. Therefore, we can realize that having a correct understanding of different negotiation styles is important in international negotiations.3. Suggestions for . Business Negotiation　　According to what has discussed above, we should take the initiative to understand the differences between China and the United States in the negotiations and also find out the real reason which lead to mutual misunderstanding or confrontation. It is necessary for us to find some constructive ways to make the negotiation smoothly. To create a harmonious atmosphere　　The negotiators from different countries have different negotiation styles. Sometimes the misunderstandings caused by d