AS always good thoughts  Dave..

As you are probably aware Dave as are most business practitioners there are  difference in cross-cultural attitudes and values…they differ significantly when dealing with the contract law..

To the Chinese they will generally see a contract as simply a statement of intent.. they will do their  best to honour the commitment if they  really feel bound by it… But if there is a is a conflict as to ‘which road to follow’ it will be State, family… And then the parties to the contract that will prevail.

Often the Chinese will find grounds and justify their action if they feel cheated, legally trapped or  the market conditions suddenly changed and therefore the terms the contract require negotiations to meet the current ecosystem.. 

Just a different perspective from the Judeo Christian values of the West… Not wrong… Just a different perspective. Business 101. Tpower