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I don't go anymore and here are the reasons why: 1. Arbitrage gone. The China arb on price has largely closed (as it should have) and its not a viable business

by rrggrr 8y ago

I don't go anymore and here are the reasons why: 1. Arbitrage gone. The China arb on price has largely closed (as it should have) and its not a viable business strategy anymore for the markets I serve. 2. Vendor disinterest. Again, as it should have, the domestic Chinese market has grown such that export business in my markets is more trouble than its worth to my Chinese vendors. Those who do export find it easier to trade with Russia, China, Pakistan, and SE Asia where the technical requirements are fewer. 3. Pollution. I found myself getting sicker each time I went. I'm sensitive to smog, smoke, etc. It just became too painful. 4. Principle. As I get older I have an increasing need to trade with partners who stand for something more than profit. I want to do business with people who believe in making the world a cleaner, safer, more verdant and just place. China isn't there yet. Mercantilism, tribalism and ambition remain the dominant philosophies. I wish for Chinese leadership in a better world in my lifetime, and I'm realistic about its likelihood. 5. Hostility. I maintain a few good personal relationships where I still trade effectively. Those aside, China's prosperity and domestic rhetoric has not resulted in a kinder and gentler approach to Westerners, particularly those of us in America. I see this situation further deteriorating in the coming months and years.

bilbo0s 8y ago
Number 5 is what kills it for me. Don't underestimate number 5. It's very true. At least right now there are a few there who will still adhere to the niceties of just being courteous, but the hostility between the US and China is growing, and the number of people like that will decrease precipitously over time. All that said, I think there are certain classes of Westerners who may find it easier than others in China in the future. I think the average Chinese person is starting to be more nuanced in their views. So maybe they see a big difference between a German guy and an American guy? I can't say, but I think that may be true??? Also, if you're high enough on the food chain, you're obviously a lot easier to tolerate. But that's a very small number of Americans. And, as always, the basketball players will likely always be able to make a go of it in China, it's kind of like Iran with the basketball guys. But yeah, if you're a regular Joe-American, the tides are definitely shifting. But Captain Obvious could tell you that.
rqs 8y ago
> 5. Hostility Got me curious. I don't think we in China have reached that level (hostile). Many people in China is passive, meaning most of the time you better open up by yourself, otherwise people are likely to leave you alone. Yes, that can makes people feel helpless sometimes, but that's not because people are hostile, no, it's because people are cautious and don't want any trouble. It's not cautious towards foreigners, it's cautious towards others. In China, strangers just don't exchange much. If you want to feel the same level of friendliness that you might have in America, you need become somebody that other people familiar with (So maybe they know how to treat you well without piss you off, or other way around).

by rrggrr 8y ago

bilbo0s 8y ago

Number 5 is what kills it for me. Don't underestimate number 5. It's very true. At least right now there are a few there who will still adhere to the niceties of just being courteous, but the hostility between the US and China is growing, and the number of people like that will decrease precipitously over time. All that said, I think there are certain classes of Westerners who may find it easier than others in China in the future. I think the average Chinese person is starting to be more nuanced in their views. So maybe they see a big difference between a German guy and an American guy? I can't say, but I think that may be true??? Also, if you're high enough on the food chain, you're obviously a lot easier to tolerate. But that's a very small number of Americans. And, as always, the basketball players will likely always be able to make a go of it in China, it's kind of like Iran with the basketball guys. But yeah, if you're a regular Joe-American, the tides are definitely shifting. But Captain Obvious could tell you that.

rqs 8y ago

> 5. Hostility Got me curious. I don't think we in China have reached that level (hostile). Many people in China is passive, meaning most of the time you better open up by yourself, otherwise people are likely to leave you alone. Yes, that can makes people feel helpless sometimes, but that's not because people are hostile, no, it's because people are cautious and don't want any trouble. It's not cautious towards foreigners, it's cautious towards others. In China, strangers just don't exchange much. If you want to feel the same level of friendliness that you might have in America, you need become somebody that other people familiar with (So maybe they know how to treat you well without piss you off, or other way around).