'Do not embarrass nation when abroad'

Above is the exhortation of the Chinese gov't to its own people who are poised to travel abroad during the week-long National Day celebrations this week.

Due to increasing affluence, more and more of the 1.3 billion China Chinese are now travelling abroad for holidays. Following various criticisms from tour agencies and host countries, however, about -- well, let's just say those unendearing peculiarities of the mainland Chinese -- the gov't has issued said guidelines.

The official Xinhua news agency on Tuesday said, 'The move aims to promote civilized behavior among Chinese travelers and restore the country's image, which has been tarnished by the behavior of some Chinese tourists.'

The list of dos and don'ts include orders to speak quietly, respect queues and put litter in bins. Also, to be polite in public places and observe the rule of 'ladies first'.

And what's at the top of the don't list? Spitting.

Xinhua quoted an official as saying uncivilized behavior is becoming a real embarrassment for China.

I say this is a step in the right direction for China. By making the public aware of everyday 'bad' habits that destination countries may find objectionable, the gov't is in fact hitting two birds with one stone: refining the rough edges of some of its globe-trekking citizens AND continuing the education campaign for the Chinese people who are soon to host thousands of athletes, officials and spectators during the summer Olympics in 2008.

Hmm, I wonder what the Phil gov'ts do's and don'ts list would look like if they were to do such a thing?

Photo credit: Liao Yusheng