Per the article, even if you are a US Citizen, but come from China, the Chinese government still considers you a Chinese Citizen. This poor person has been held for 2 years in jail in China, basically in limbo. Obama Raised Issue of American Held in China - NY Times. The charge is stealing state secrets. Of course the definition of state secrets is pretty, um, elastic, so just buying a database if the Chinese government decides, could be defined as stealing state secrets.

This also happens to business people who the other side has more connections. A friend of a friend, last I heard is still in jail in China with the demand pay X dollars, or else you stay here. And since he is there his business is gone. He's from Taiwan, but if your ethnic Chinese the Chinese are a bit more cavalier with your rights, than a non ethnic Chinese like me. Not sure how my daughter would be treated, since she is mixed.

Other Posts:

• Is arresting standard business practice in China?
• More Rio Tinto
• Chinese Business Horror Stories

Labels: business chinese

A couple of interesting blogs to Learn more about Chinese.

The first one is scary. It's about called the China Law Blog. I spent way to much time on it last night! A sample post that is worth a read. China Products: Forget Trust, Just Verify"

This one has a lot of interesting posts. About the Blog - I am interested in how the rise of China is affecting other countries, and how the Chinese are adapting to their increasing power. So, a blog with some links and commentary about the 21st century and China ... by "Hong Mao". Hurting the Feelings of the Chinese People.

One that I have not spent that much time on, but looks interesting is called the Quality Control Blog. A sample post. Four Simple Steps for Starting to do Quality Control",

Labels: business chinese

Rio Tinto just had 4 employees arrested in China. Rio Tinto is a huge iron ore producer that China was trying to buy, but got turned down. Currently China is negotiating the price of Iron ore and these arrests happened.

Arrests in China have happened before that are more business related and how has more power, than to any crime. Jude Shao is an example of this. This also happened to a friend of a friend of my wife.

No formal charges have been pressed, but supposedly the Rio Tinto people got confidential pricing information. Or is this just a way to change the subject on a misjudgement? It is hurting the relationship with Australia and China's reputation in the area of law with foreign firms (I hope you did not fall off your chair laughing at that last sentence).

Labels: business chinese

Bulb Maker TCP to Produce Its Own-Brand Lights - Wall Street Journal is an interesting article for some of the truths and stereotypes that are dispelled in the article.

One stereotype is China is successful just because it uses cheap labor. If this was true, countries with lower cost labor than China would be very successful. The article mentions the work force was cut from 15,000 to 8,000 in the last 3 years. 3 years ago 100% of bulbs were made by hand, now 60% are made with automation. This is showing how China also uses automation to increase their efficiency.

The manufacturer believes they can sell their bulbs direct and it won't endanger their relations with customers who they produce for. This is a common belief and with most of the Chinese companies I have dealt with they don't understand the channel conflict issue. IE they sell to distributors, and they also sell direct. And many US distributors do not like also competing with the manufacturer - since how can you on price?

The article also mentions the company is looking to set up a factory in the US. This is a big change from the usual way Chinese companies do business. I hope they are successful.

Labels: business chinese

I have worked with a number of ethnic Chinese in the US, as well as being married to one for 20 years. A few observations on successfully working with them, as a non-Chinese...

Observations:

1. If doing a project, always define and get agreement in writing of what the deliverables will be. This way you avoid doing extra work for free.
2. Get a 50% deposit. I did not do this on one project and the person stiffed me. Not a Chinese, but still good advice unless you are working with a close friend or family.
3. Avoid doing projects for family. They will never feel OK about the price unless it's free, and will probably even then complain. Which is why I no longer do home improvements, it's easier to hire a contractor and have them get the blame. I heard for to many years about a marble floor I put in...
4. If your Father-in-law wants to do something a certain way, even if not the best way, just do it unless it creates problems. There is the right way, wrong way, and your Father-in-laws way.
5. If your boss... See #4. Very similar to the experience of working with entrepreneurs.
6. If the person trys to get you to do more work by promising a future promotion, job opportunity, etc. get it in writing. And even if you get it writing you may still not get it. I have seen this where people are hired, but since you don't have experience in this industry we need to start you out at X salary. Then in 6 months when the person knows the industry, there is another reason not to increase the pay (company is doing poorly, we have stopped giving bonuses, it's not fair to other people in the same position, etc.).
7. If a Chinese customer calls up, have them speak to a non-Chinese to limit the amount of negotiations. Chinese customers have a higher level of expectations they will be able to negotiate with a Chinese speaker, than a non-Chinese speaker.
8. Be trusting, but always verify :-)
   

Labels: business chinese

Business Chinese is a bit different than learning Chinese for the regular learner, you usually have tight deadlines and need to get some survival words ASAP.

My suggestions:

• Complete Chinese Learning Suite Software for Mandarin Chinese
• Learn Chinese Now: Language Tutor Software
• Pimsleur Quick and Simple Mandarin Chinese: Mandarin
• Chinese For Dummies. Mandarin.
• Flashcards, Lingolook for Foreign Travel - China - Simplified Characters

Labels: business chinese