How to turn a faux pas into an asset

High-profile blunders by politicians and other public figures rarely go unnoticed, especially when the limelight is squarely on them, as it usually is during official foreign trips. Luckily, unless they really do something scandalous or obscene (which does happen – look at Mr. Strauss-Kahn's antics in New York and elsewhere), the public is more than willing to forgive and maybe even turn the mistake into a fad.

Take the latest visit to China by Canada's Prime Minister Steven Harper. It was going according to plan and the diplomatic protocol was strictly being followed. It was about to get relegated to the deepest corners of official archives, without even a longer mention in the headlines. China, in the end, does host quite a large number of delegations practically on a regular basis. And even if Canada enjoys immense popularity there, it wasn't large enough to warrant media coverage.

Until Harper committed a culinary faux pas by dipping some pork in a spicy mustard sauce, which is not something any Chinese restaurant goer would do. It triggered confusion, laughter and business opportunity – exactly in this order.

How did this international business etiquette glitch finish? The restaurant owner launched a new dish in recognition of the event and, surprise, surprise, with massive media attention – it's been successful.

More international faux pas below: