干涉 (gānshè) is a powerful term that touches upon deeply held values regarding boundaries, both personal and national. In Chinese culture, which often emphasizes collectivism and close family ties, the line between caring 关心 (guānxīn) and interfering 干涉 (gānshè) can be a significant source of social and familial tension. For example, it's common for parents to be deeply involved in their adult children's lives, offering advice on everything from career choices to marriage partners. While this is often framed as 关心 (guānxīn), the children may perceive it as 干涉 (gānshè), a frustrating intrusion on their personal freedom. This contrasts with the strong emphasis on individualism in most Western cultures, where personal autonomy is highly prized from a young age. An American might bluntly say, “Mind your own business,” which is a direct assertion of personal boundaries. The Chinese use of 干涉 (gānshè) can feel more formal and carries a sense of righteous complaint against someone who is breaking an unspoken social rule. On a national level, the principle of non-interference (互不干涉内政 - hù bù gānshè nèizhèng) is a cornerstone of Chinese foreign policy. It reflects a deep-seated value of sovereignty and the belief that no country should meddle in the internal affairs of another. This makes 干涉 (gānshè) a very common and heavily-weighted term in Chinese political discourse.
干涉 (gānshè) is almost always used with a negative connotation, except in specific scientific contexts. It can be used in both formal and informal situations.