China Policy Institute Blog
A Bright future for the Chinese food and drink industry: Guang Ming buys Weetabix!
May 14, 2012
By Mike Bastin. The international expansion of Chinese companies and their brands is now one of the most influential trends across the global business environment. My research and training within Chinese companies over the last 10 years has revealed a huge surge in confidence, ambition and determination to conquer global markets. The Shanghai-based Bright (‘Guang …
Staging the ‘Chinese History:’ Wild Swans
May 10, 2012
By Rebecca Scott. I went to see the theatrical version of Jung Chang’s best seller Wild Swans, which is currently on show at the Young Vic theatre, in London. Chang recounts the lives of herself, her mother and her grandmother against a backdrop of China’s twentieth century history. My personal feelings about her autobiography are …
Doing Business With China– Some Experiences From A British Firm
May 8, 2012
By Sam Beatson. Mainland China, what used to be that enigmatic nation beyond the boundary of the pearl of the orient (Hong Kong), has been known as a place where fortunes have been sought…and lost… by many foreigners (老外) in years gone by. To conquer China used to be a myth. However, the opening-up policy, …
Discordant Notes in Spite of Efforts to Play a Harmonious Tune
By Xiaoling Zhang. A state-backed newspaper posted an online statement in the early morning of May 5 on its Sina Weibo account: “In the still of the deep night, removing that mask of insincerity, we say to our true selves, ‘I am sorry.’ Goodnight”. (在夜深人寂时，卸下言不由衷的面具，对真实的自己说声“对不起”。晚安。) The statement was accompanied by a black-and-white photo of a …
Time to let Chen Guangcheng leave for the US
May 4, 2012
By Steve Tsang. The blind Chinese activist, Chen Guangcheng, had escaped illegal confinement, sought safety in the US embassy in Beijing for six days, and has now reportedly left the embassy on his own volition. Mr Chen is now in a medical facility in Beijing, with US personnel accompanying him. Quiet diplomacy has ensured the …
Devil’s advocates and people’s advocates: stability, the law, and Chen Guangcheng
May 2, 2012
By Jackie Sheehan. I appreciate the spirit in which Sam Beatson’s piece on the Chen Guangcheng case was offered. It nicely modelled the leaps in interpretation to which activists like Chen are subject in China – peacefully, non-violently pointing out that officials have broken the law and violated citizens’ most basic rights elided within a …
May Day or Mayday? China’s Golden Holidays Signal Development or Distress?
May 1, 2012
By Mike Bastin. Once again China is witnessing another ‘Golden’ holiday or half-week with the annual May 1st Labour Day holiday upon us. But is this a further indicator of China’s economic development or a signal of distress? Certainly, tens of millions of excited Chinese consumers are doing their best to enjoy the break from …
Some Devil’s Advocacy – Chen Guangcheng’s Escape
By Sam Beatson. News abounds that blind dissident activist, Chen Guangcheng, made an escape to the US embassy in Beijing this week. Democratic media has provided him with a platform to air his views and requests. He calls for justice to be served on local officials whom he alleges assaulted his family and he demands …
Mercedes Brand Wins in China…but not in Chinese!
April 30, 2012
By Mike Bastin. Not only will Mercedes victory in this year’s China Grand Prix take the motor racing world by surprise, it will also boost even further the brand value across China and should do more for the popularity of Formula 1 and motor sport in general than any other team victory. Mercedes remains one …
Bo Xilai – a deadly case of delusion and desired defection
April 27, 2012
By Mike Bastin. While the rumors continue about Bo, his wife Gu and the death of Neil Heywood, it is surprising that the real reason for this entire saga has not yet been publicized. The real reason is not that Bo was seen as a potential threat to the current and future leadership in China, …
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