Changhong Electric & Strongarm Tactics
Whoa. Check out one of today’s front page NYT articles, “Dispute Leaves U.S. Exectutive In Chinese Legal Netherworld“. That’s some pretty hairy stuff. Here’s the first few paragraphs of the article:
“David Ji, a Chinese-American electronics entrepreneur, spent two months in custody enduring all-night interrogation sessions, but his stubbornness and occasional flashes of sarcasm infuriated his Chinese captors.
“So in late December last year, according to a person who compiled a record of the encounter, guards emptied his pockets, removed his shoes and socks, and ripped the buttons off his oxford shirt. He was ushered disheveled and barefoot into the office of Zhao Yong, the chief executive of Sichuan Changhong Electric, Mr. Ji’s onetime business partner and, more recently, his warden.
“‘Your only way out is to do what Changhong tells you to do,” Mr. Zhao told him. “If I decide today I want you to die, you will be dead tomorrow.’”
TAGS: China | Ethics | Social Responsibility
This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 1st, 2005 at 10:51 am and is filed under Business Ethics, CalPoly MBA, China. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
November 4th, 2005 at 10:37 am
It is possible in China. But I have to read the NYT before making a comprehensive conclusion.
November 4th, 2005 at 4:13 pm
Kind of makes one think twice before jumping into the Chinese market. Tis a strange world in which we live.
November 7th, 2005 at 6:57 pm
It’s a sketchy time for business in China with all the political trouble. My friend posted an article here about the current state of law and lawyers that’s interesting too.
November 8th, 2005 at 6:19 am
Thank you for all the comments!
I like what Orikinla Osinachi pointed out, that it is “possible in China.” I think one of the exciting things about about China is that in addition to all of the opportunities to make money, in the midst of the seemingly chaotic regulatory environment, there is also a huge opportunity to shape the way things happen for the better. Hopefully more businesses will begin to realize the power they have to make a difference and begin to take the lead.
Thank you also to DPR for posting the link to your friend’s blog — very interesting stuff that everyone should check out!
November 8th, 2005 at 8:07 pm
Jack Yan over at Beyond Branding posted about this topic and included a link here (thank you!) as well. Be sure to read his post as it makes some very good points. In addition, he links to a few other articles about China that are excellent reads.
January 28th, 2006 at 8:31 pm
Peter, I’m very grateful for the link—I hope my pieces are useful to you and your readers.
January 29th, 2006 at 6:37 pm
Thank you Jack! I also appreciate the link and have really enjoyed reading your blog. I know we originally connected over a post about China and business and wanted to forward you to the following site if you have a moment:
calpolymbatrip.com
I’m currently wrapping up my MBA studies at Cal Poly, with our final class occurring as a 2 1/2 week trip through China. The above link is a site that was put together to prepare for the trip as well as cover everything we’ll experience. I don’t know if the site will interest you, but I thought I would point it out just in case. I imagine the content will become more rich as we approach our departure in June and will be very different as we attempt to post while traveling.
Take care,
Peter