In China, as in the West, a signature is a legally binding mark of personal agreement and responsibility. However, its role is uniquely complemented by the traditional practice of using a personal seal or “chop” (印章, yìnzhāng).
Signature vs. The Chop (印章): While a handwritten signature (`签字`) is used for countless everyday transactions like credit card slips and package deliveries, the red ink stamp from a chop is often considered more official and harder to forge. For major corporate, legal, and government documents, it is very common to require both a signature and an official chop (a practice called `签字盖章`, qiānzì gàizhāng). This dual system reflects a blend of modern international practice with a centuries-old tradition of authentication. For a Westerner doing business in China, understanding that a signature alone might not be sufficient is a crucial cultural insight.
Personal Responsibility: Signing your name is a serious act. It signifies that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms laid out in a document. This concept of taking personal responsibility for one's mark is universal, but the added layer of the chop in formal contexts emphasizes the weight and finality of the commitment in Chinese culture.