What's the buzz

The news that Jiugui Liquor contains excessive amounts of plasticizer has made headlines across China this week. Following the revelation, some netizens are discussing why liquor is so popular with Chinese people. Why is it business people and officials only seem to get down to business when they are intoxicated? China Daily's mobile phone news readers share their views:

I think the liquor culture that has been in existence for thousands of years in China has attributed to its popularity among Chinese people. In the opinion of ancient poets and politicians, men who liked to drink are true men, with whom they were willing to make friends. Besides, the alcohol helps people relax and makes it easier to smooth business negotiations.

GUYUE, Fuzhou, Fujian province

I'd like to talk about the situation in official circles. The reasons for liquor's popularity with some local governments are that, first, liquor is a good catalyst that can help build intimacy with each other quickly. After several rounds of drinks, everyone seems to become friends. Also, liquor helps people say brave words.

JA, Foshan, Guangdong province

Liquor is one of the core ingredients of China's 5,000-year culture, and it is widely treasured by Chinese people. The phenomenon of people today not getting down to business until intoxicated is influenced by traditional Chinese culture. We should take the essence and discard the bad while preserving traditional culture.

WANGTAO, Changchun, Jilin province

It is a kind of social convention to use liquor to liven up business negotiations, close the distance and improve friendships. It helps reduce unfamiliarity and estrangement. It is not unique to China since wine is also a catalyst for business in other countries, but it does harm to the image of Chinese officials and businessmen as they get drunk at such gatherings.

DONGDONG, Anqing, Anhui province

One can get to know a Chinese person through three things: playing Chinese chess, playing mahjong and drinking. The purpose of drinking liquor is not for the sake of drinking, but to get to know what kind of person one is dealing with.

A READER, Tianjin

Liquor has become a necessity in Chinese people's social activities, as wine and beer are either not Chinese-style or too casual. Nowadays, many liquor companies have targeted officials as their consumers. Although there is no need to become intoxicated when dining with family members, at official or business dinners, it is difficult to make the atmosphere "hot" without the help of alcohol.

DEBBIE, Fuzhou, Fujian province

(China Daily 11/26/2012 page9)