CHINESE YES doesn’t mean yes, but more like “I heard what you say, keep going until something else suits me better.” This is very confusing for those who always assume that “yes” means “I agree”.
✔️In China, being asked about something shows that one is trusted. People feel therefore honored to get involved and want to deepen the trust you placed in them, by saying “yes” meaning “I am listening, keep talking.”
✔️Most important of all, the Chinese are afraid of saying “no”, which causes not only the loss of face, but also a possible end to a conversation or a negotiation. In the business context, it happens often that the Chinese keep saying “yes” immediately on any request or suggestion. YES” here means they are still on the topic and continue listening. It is for them to keep the discussion going on, but NOT an agreement NOR an engagement.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/luxuefei_linkedin-learning-china-activity-6721396679267889152-D_3f