Articles by Chris Devonshire-Ellis on ArticleSnatch.com

Why India Matters

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:21:45 -0500

Much has been made of comparisons between China and India, much of it driven by the fact that the two nations are (occasionally reluctant) neighbors, their size, population and simultaneous development and progression. For two nations so large, sometimes at polar opposites, yet at the same time offering potentially comparable market sizes, is unprecedented in history. Yet here we are, 25 years on from the beginnings of China’s first, tentative steps towards reform, and India now looms on the horizon as a giant of Asia. This phenomenon is not now purely restricted to these two nations either. A resurgent Russia, newly incorporated into the WTO will also change global trade dynamics in ways that have not even begun to be fully discussed. While media has concentrated on Russia’s political issues, the fact that another large consumer market and manufacturing base has emerged (albeit one smaller than China or India) has largely been ignored. Such ignorance betrays any understanding of global trade dynamics or the forces that will drive this century. But back to India. As mentioned, much commentary concentrates on comparisons with China, and my firm and publications China Briefing, India Briefing and 2point6billion. **End Summary** Topics: China]]> Business]]> Foreign Investment]]> Regulation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> This article by Chris Devonshire-Ellis was written for China business news site, China-briefing.com. Dezan Shira & Associates specialise in foreign direct investment in China .

Mongolia Enthrones Its Dalai Lama

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:07:19 -0500

Mongolia has confirmed the ninth Bogd Jebttsundamba Khutughtus in a ceremony at the Gandantegchinlin Monastery in Ulaanbaatar. As the spiritual leader of Mongolian Buddhism, the ninth Bogd is the equivalent of the Dalai Lama in Tibet, although ranking below him in title. "Bogd Khan" loosely translates as "High King," while "Genghis Khan" translates as "King of Kings." Actually, "Bogd Khan Ul" is also the name of one of Mongolia's highest and most holy mountains. Mongolia's Bogd Khans date back to the 1600s, when the first Bogd, the renowned artist monk Zanabazar, was recognized as such by the then-Panchen Lama and Dalai Lama of Tibet. Zanabazar remains a highly regarded figure in Mongolia, with an entire museum dedicated to his works. He was a superb craftsman, creating many priceless bronze carvings of Buddhas, and also invented (taking the form of written Uyghur script as the base) the first version of modern Mongolian written language - much of which is still in use today. The Bogd Khans operated as defacto kings of Mongolia as well as the most senior cleric up until 1924, when the eighth Bogd Khan passed away. **End Summary** Topics: Mongolia]]> Dalai Lama]]> Bogd Khan]]> China]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> 2point6billion was founded by Chris Devonshire-Ellis who is also the founder of Dezan Shira & Associates, which advises on foreign direct investment in China , Dezan Shire & Associates maintain accountants in Beijing

Doing Business in Singapore

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:02:42 -0500

Singapore doesn’t usually come onto the radar for most folks when it comes to holding China investments, but in the changing dynamics of emerging Asia, that is beginning to change. While the use of holding companies to own foreign-invested China businesses has long been corporate practice, these have tended to concentrate on Hong Kong and, in the past, other offshore jurisdictions such as the British Virgin Islands or similar exotic domiciles. In fact, 15 years ago, the practice was endemic. The reasoning behind this was as follows: Tax advantages. Offshore jurisdictions provide tax benefits to companies based there as normally they do not levy income tax on transactions made externally from their territory. Quite simply, you do business in China, and you can bring those profits back to say the BVIs without further tax. Hong Kong is slightly different as a rate of tax is levied, however for years it provided (and still does) a useful tool to hold a China operation. Its documentation is bilingual (English and Chinese), it’s inexpensive to set up such companies, and inexpensive to maintain them. Secrecy. Or, in professional parlance, “non-disclosure. **End Summary** Topics: Singapore]]> business]]> investment]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> You can read the rest of this story by Chris Devonshire-Ellis at the China business news site, China-Briefing.com. Chris is the founder of Dezan Shira & Associates, which advises foreign companies on business and tax in China .

The Cost of Setting Up a WFOE in China

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 02:05:20 -0500

Our firm, Dezan Shira & Associates, has been involved with legal establishment and tax work in China for nearly 20 years. In fact, the practice’s 20th birthday is November next year, so we’ll be having some parties to celebrate. Over the years, we have constantly been engaged in setting up wholly foreign owned enterprises (WFOEs) for our clients and, during that time, we’ve seen considerable changes to how WFOEs can operate, and what they can do. We’ve also written about WFOEs many times in dealing with the updates, and continue to do so – our popular guide “Setting Up Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprises in China” is now in its third edition. Yet one question that always crops up is – “How much does it cost to set up a WFOE?” – often without any reference to what the WFOE scope of business is expected to be. It’s an impossible question to answer at such a basic level, as WFOEs can be extremely diverse. Let’s look at a few examples: Trading – Buying and Selling in China (Import and Export) Business Consulting Service Industry Retail Franchising Manufacturing Different criteria apply to each of these. **End Summary** Topics: WFOE]]> China]]> investment]]> business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Read the rest of this article by Chris Devonshire-Ellis at China-Briefing.com. For advice on FDI China please contact Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists with clients wanting to do business in China .

When Chief Representatives Can Be Barred from Office

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:49:33 -0400

An interesting legal point cropped up as a result of our recent commentary concerning chief representatives in China. The chief rep is of course the person who is legally responsible for the activities of a China representative office (RO), and the piece outlined the various roles and responsibilities the chief rep has to undertake, as well as the qualifications for doing so. It’s a position I am very familiar with, having been chief rep of our firm (and subsequently the legally responsible person – not to be confused with actually being a lawyer as some assume) when we converted our own business from an RO to a WFOE structure several years ago. Buried in the regulatory legalese concerning the appointment of a chief rep, however, is this little item: “The chief representative cannot concurrently hold such positions as the chairman of the board of directors, general manager, or manager of other domestic foreign invested enterprises.” It seems innocuous enough, but it did have the effect of raising questions from a number of clients whose chief rep is also about to take on additional roles as general manager for a WFOE. **End Summary** Topics: China]]> business]]> FDI]]> China market research]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> This article was written by Chris Devonshire-Ellis , founder of the China FDI firm, Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira helps foreign corporations with accounting and Tax in China .

Chris Devonshire-Ellis' Tale of Two Mongolias

Mon, 30 May 2011 23:15:08 -0400

Recent reports in the press over ethnic tensions “in Mongolia” demonstrate there is still much to be understood about the region. Apparently, an ethnic Mongolian herder was killed by a Han Chinese lorry driver in an accident that has sparked unrest in the Chinese autonomous region of Inner Mongolia. Meanwhile, Mongolia itself remains an independent country and is utterly unaffected by the incident in China. Such reports however, tend to demonstrate poor standards of journalism, a lack of appreciation of the dynamics between the two areas, and a disregard for historical fact. That the incident was widely reported in headlines as having taken place in “Mongolia” blurs distinctions and is indicative of lazy journalism. In this article I aim to describe the differences between the two as well as shed some light on the background to the incident in question. Many Chinese nationals still in fact regard all of Mongolia – including the sovereign nation to the north of Beijing – as being historically Chinese. Yet the reverse is true. **End Summary** Topics: Mongolia]]> China]]> business]]> investment]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Read the rest of this article on doing business in Mongolia by Chris Devonshire-Ellis at 2point6billion.com. Chris is the founder of Accounting China advisors, Dezan Shira & Associates.

Vladivostok to Boom as China Cuts Mineral Exports

Tue, 24 May 2011 01:30:41 -0400

The Far Eastern Russian city of Vladivostok is set to experience a boom as concerns over China’s aggressive slashing of mineral exports dictate the need for new supplies. Circumnavigating the need to export vital commodities either through or from China is fast becoming a major policy. China’s exports of rare earths accounted for 90 percent of the global supply until last year, however it has drastically reduced its export quota of rare earths from 50,000 tons annually to just 8,000 tons this year. That is seriously affecting global markets, as demand in the United States, Japan, and South Korea is set to reach 180,000 tons by 2012, leaving a massive shortfall. These materials, which include granites and syenites rich in rare metals such as Yttrium, Tantalum, Niobium, Thorium and Zirconium are used in numerous hi-tech applications in everything from weapons systems to computers, mobile phones and flat screen televisions. However, significant alternative supplies are to be found in Mongolia, which is rapidly developing a number of joint venture projects with foreign investors keen to ensure alternative supplies. **End Summary** Topics: CHina]]> Russia]]> Investment]]> minerals]]> mining]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> This article was written by Chris Devonshire-Ellis for the China business news website, China-Briefing.com. Chris is also founder of Dezan Shira & Associates, which provides Accounting China services for foreign companies.

Growing Your Business - Tips From a China Practice

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 01:39:59 -0400

By now the business was starting to be noticed within the expat community. It was time to hang out at foreign chambers and other trade bodies. The local British Chamber of Commerce was based in Guangzhou, which for me was a two hour coach ride, but I joined anyway. Not being able to justify the cost of an overnight hotel in Guangzhou I’d make my way back on the late bus at about 1 a.m., and get home by 3 a.m. Having an office in your own home can be beneficial. However, I also started to get involved in other chambers, and to see the commercial consuls of other countries in Guangzhou. There were, at the time, no consulates in Shenzhen and no chambers of commerce. I’d also do the same in Hong Kong – regularly visiting the many foreign consuls in Hong Kong and attending chamber events. Usually I’d be the only person that turned up from Shenzhen, and this gave me an advantage. Not many people were as familiar with the local business environment, so attending events in other cities proved wise. **End Summary** Topics: China]]> business]]> start ups]]> Asia]]> investment]]> entrepreneurs]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> This is part 2 of a series of posts by Chris Devonshire-Ellis about how he started, grew and managed his China business , Dezan Shira & Associates. Read Part 1 about establishing a business in China at China-Briefing.

China Woos Mongolia as Australia of North Asia

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:52:17 -0500

China has agreed to provide a soft loan of US$300 million to Mongolia to develop a border free trade zone, along with other major trade and investment projects slated to take place in bilateral trade between the two countries. China’s Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi visited Ulaan Baatar last week to discuss bilateral trade and to seek access and participation in Mongolia’s huge mineral reserves. A new Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia, Wang Xiaolong, has also just been appointed as the two nations look to develop economic ties. Bilateral trade between the two is currently at US$3.3 billion, however this is expected to increase significantly over the next few years as the economic bonanza promised by Mongolia’s massive mineral wealth starts to materialize. Investors are certainly straining at the leash to get in. With China already the world’s largest consumer of coal, Mongolia’s massive reserves are finding a ready market. On top of that, Mongolia has significant deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, nickel, zinc, wolfram, fluorspar, tin, silver, various minerals and rare earths. Furthermore, Mongolia is reputed to have significant reserves of oil and natural gas. This was apparently recognized by Stalin, but due to Soviet incompetence never actually realized. **End Summary** Topics: China]]> Mongolia]]> politics]]> trade]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> This article was written by Chris Devonshire-Ellis for the China business news site, China-Briefing.com. Chris is also the founder of Dezan Shira & Associates which advises international businesses on accounting, business and tax in China .

Governance Key in Unlocking Mongoliaâs Massive Wealth

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:51:02 -0500

Governance was the main theme at the Mongolian Economic Forum being held in Ulaan Baatar, as the country begins to come to terms with its newfound status as a major global player in critical resources. The country, which only overthrew the heavily Soviet-influenced Mongolian People’s Republic in 1990, became a democracy soon afterwards and has sometimes struggled with the transition from decades of mismanagement to its new status as a resource rich state sandwiched between two superpowers – China and Russia. Yet as an increasing volume of massive mineral reserves – ranging from massive oil, coal and iron ore deposits to the world’s largest copper, rare earths and uranium reserves – the country is undergoing a transition that could either be a great success story or lead it to the alternative national path, trodden by other nations, of its natural wealth becoming a curse. The event, an NGO-sponsored platform inaugurated last year, has attracted major players such as Peabody, Rio Tinto, TDB, Goldman Sachs, Tenger, the IFC among other international organisations (I attend in my regional capacity with the UNDP), foreign governments and related trade, investment and commercial organisations, in addition to the highest office of the Mongolian government. **End Summary** Topics: China]]> Mongolia]]> business]]> investment]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> This article was written for the emerging markets blog, 2point6billion.com. The blog was created by Chris Devonshire-Ellis who also founded the India business news site, India-Briefing.com.

Chris Devonshire-Ellis On What to Do When the Chinese Police Turn Up

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 17:34:10 -0500

Most foreigners in China won’t have much of a problem with China’s police, unless they are really naughty, or just very stupid. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they will not confront you from time to time. If and when they do, it pays to know how to act. Just this week, I was involved in an incident with police in Shanghai. Although I had nothing to do with the incident in question, had matters been handled poorly, my detention may well have followed. The story I will relate will be very familiar to many long term expatriates in China, yet it could have all gone very badly wrong, and the lessons within are of note to any visiting businessman. I was joining a group of long-term expatriates – some of whom have been in China for over 20 years, and most for at least 10 – at a pre-Chinese New Year dinner at a relatively obscure Chinese restaurant in the Puxi area of the city. **End Summary** Topics: expats]]> China]]> police]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To read the rest of this story by Chris Devonshire-Ellis , about living in China , visit China-Briefing.com. Chris Devonshire-Ellis is also the founder of ChinaExpat.com

Chris Devonshire-Ellis: Moving China and India Forward

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 18:46:21 -0500

Over the last few years, our firm has been involved in China and India and we have commented many times on the relationship between them. I personally have been involved in the bilateral trade space through the mutually beneficial development of the firm into both markets since 2005. We now possess 15 offices and a team of several hundred staff between the two countries. As the relationship starts to look at maturing to a more trade-based focus, the announcement by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao this week of an expected increase in bilateral trade to US$100 billion in volume by 2015 has begun to concentrate minds on how these two giants of Asia are to manage their development. Indeed, the China-India issue is not just a regional matter, it is one that will affect global trade balances and security. If China and India succeed, global growth is almost assured for the remainder of the century. Hundreds of millions will be lifted out of poverty. Fail, and the fallout may spark serious conflict, possibly even nuclear. The stakes may never have been higher in ensuring that a dependable, secure and mutually beneficial relationship emerges. **End Summary** Topics: business]]> investment]]> China]]> India]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To read the rest of this article by Chris Devonshire-Ellis , visit China-Briefing.com . Chris Devonshire-Ellis established China-Briefing.com over 10 years ago.

Chris Devonshire-Ellis on Double Tax Treaties in China

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:05:33 -0500

China has signed double tax agreements (DTAs) with many countries in treaties to limit taxation (tax treaties). Such treaties typically cover income taxes, value added taxes, withholding taxes and dividend taxes, among others. Tax treaties tend to reduce taxes of one treaty country for residents of the other treaty country in order to reduce double taxation of the same income. The provisions and goals vary; very few tax treaties are alike. **End Summary** Topics: business]]> China]]> tax]]> finance]]> investment]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Chris Devonshire-Ellis is the founder of China-Briefing.com . Chris Devonshire-Ellis is also the founder of Dezan Shira & Associates

When to Upgrade Your China RO to a China WFOE

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:59:33 -0500

As we approach the end of 2010, annual audits loom for all foreign invested enterprises in China. The State Administration of Taxation employs a fiscal year to denote reporting requirements, and this then makes it an excellent time to consider the future of your business if still using a representative office in China. China’s State Council recently issued new regulations to “strengthen” the administration of resident representative offices (ROs) of foreign enterprises in China. The new regulations require ROs of foreign enterprises to provide audited accounting information on a regular basis, prohibit them from conducting profit activities, and specify the relative penalties for foreign enterprises that violate the rules. As we previously advised in March, tax structuring of ROs has also changed, with ROs now being liable for deemed profit rates of 15 percent. These regulations affect foreign investors setting up representative offices in China, as well as ROs already established on the mainland as they touch on the establishment, management, permitted activities and staffing of ROs. The main changes as affect existing representative offices are as follows: Management Representative offices cannot employ in excess of four foreign staff, including the chief representative. **End Summary** Topics: China]]> WFOE]]> business]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Chris Devonshire-Ellis and Rosario DiMaggiowrote this article for China Briefing . Chris Devonshire-Ellis is also the founder of India-Briefing.com and Vietnam-Briefing.com.

India Will Soon Attract More FDI than China

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:58:39 -0500

As the India versus China debate rages on, a new study by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) indicates that India is poised to attract more foreign investment in the near future. “The recent developments that have taken place in China — a series of strikes affecting operation of select MNCs, subsequent wage hikes, expectation about appreciation of the yuan and efforts to recalibrate growth strategy away from exports towards domestic demand — could lessen its attractiveness as an investment destination,” the study stated. Companies that were surveyed believe these developments will tarnish China’s image as an attractive destination for FDI, and nearly three-fourths of respondents said some of these investment flows may be redirected to India. However, the survey did caution that India needed to rectify its infrastructure and bureaucratic bottlenecks at the state level before it could efficiently utilize these new inflows. India’s large and ever-growing domestic market has emerged as the chief motivating factor for foreign investors to invest in India. Roughly 87 percent of survey respondents rated the growth rate of the Indian market as “high. **End Summary** Topics: business]]> investment China]]> India]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Chris Devonshire-Ellis is the founder of 2point6billion.com . Chris Devonshire-Ellis is also the founder of Dezan Shira & Associates

Chris Devonshire-Ellis on Indianizing a China Business

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:48:34 -0500

As China begins to slow down, and the global supply chain shifts, India has just recorded GDP growth of 9 percent for the past quarter meaning it has overtaken China in terms of production. It is a trend that is likely to remain. As China-based businesses also start to gear up for the development of China’s domestic market, and look to the hinterlands for growth, others are also eying the India market. Exporting a business into another country is never easy, and this is especially so in the case of China and India. The countries have different administrative systems and do not necessarily agree to international conventions surrounding territories and descriptions. Then there are the immense language and written language issues. If these are not recognized, embarrassment and even criminal action can follow. As my practice Dezan Shira & Associates has found out, care needs to be paid when replanting a subsidiary root of a business from one country to another. Not all systems or points of reference are the same. **End Summary** Topics: business]]> India]]> China]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To read the rest of this article by Chris Devonshire-Ellis visit China business news site, China-Briefing.com, which was created by Chris Devonshire-Ellis .

Chris Devonshire-Ellis: The RMB Position and the Mysteries of the China Unemployment Fund

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 21:44:49 -0500

Several claims have been made by China recently over the need for it to maintain the RMB position, and that any large correction of its position against the U.S. dollar would have serious impacts on rising unemployment, factory closures, and in the word’s of Li Ruguo, the chairman of the Import-Export Bank of China, that Western nations would have to be prepared to accept an influx of Chinese immigrants. Prices of China made goods would also, naturally rise. While an increase in the costs of Chinese goods would be absorbed by the global market (people would either trade down in product value, and manufacturers would simply move to cheaper locations to maintain low consumer prices), the Chinese government’s assertion that the appreciation of the RMB would result in unemployment problems – one so severe it would invoke economic migration of millions of Chinese – is an interesting one. What I will attempt to demonstrate in this article is whether the RMB position against the U.S. dollar would be responsible for the layoffs of thousands of workers, and whether that is an issue that should be the concern of the international business community. **End Summary** Topics: China]]> business]]> currency]]> investment]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To read the rest of this article by Chris Devonshire-Ellis visit China-Briefing.com . Chris Devonshire-Ellis founded China Briefing, India Briefing and the Asia Briefing publishing house.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organizations Growing Trade Influence

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:55:50 -0500

An entity little understood by many, yet growing in regional clout is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Originally formed in 1996 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan, it was expanded in 2001 to include Uzbekistan, and subsequently took on its current name. Created as a regional security council to deal with the threats posed by militant Islam in the neighboring CIS states following the breakup of the Soviet Union, the SCO also counts as permanent observers the nations of India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan, and has dialogue partners with ASEAN, CIS, the Organization of Islamic Conference, the United Nations, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. The Shanghai Cooperation Origination was formed on June 15, 2001 after Uzbekistan was admitted into the Shanghai Five group, which had been created in 1996 by Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. The SCO was originally formed due to growing security concerns following the collapse of the Soviet Union, terrorist and security elements were not being sufficiently well coordinated. **End Summary** Topics: Shanghai]]> business]]> sourcing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> This article was written for India and China news source, 2point6billion.com, which was established by Chris Devonshire-Ellis . Chris Devonshire-Ellis also contributes to the China-Briefing.com

World Bank Optimistic on the Sustainability of Chinaâs Economy

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 21:47:06 -0400

The World Bank released a quarterly report on China on Wednesday, analyzing different aspects of China’s economic growth and policies, as well as forecasting future trends and providing policy prescriptions to advance economic sustainability. The report observes that economic growth has somewhat leveled off to a rate of 9.6 percent year-on-year in the third quarter of this year, with shifts in the dynamics of the economy. Domestic consumption and investments have slowed slightly, and China continues to lead in exports, but lags in imports, increasing the existing trade surplus. As growth has stabilized and will continue to do so in 2011, the report states, there is an even more pressing need for the Chinese government to push for economic reform while the window of opportunity is still open. The World Bank suggests that by injecting flexibility into its macroeconomic policies, China will be better prepared to respond to changes in the economy and better protect its growth. In the report, the Washington-based bank forecast that China’s economic growth will slow slightly to a more modest, but still strong, 8.7 percent, slightly up from its previous estimate of 8.5 percent. **End Summary** Topics: China]]> business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> This article was written for India and China news source, 2point6billion.com, which was established by Chris Devonshire-Ellis . Chris Devonshire-Ellis also contributes to the China-Briefing.com

Chris Devonshire-Ellis on The Economist's China Summit

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 21:46:25 -0400

The Economist Magazine’s China Summit was held today in Beijing, a major platform for senior business executives involved in China to get together, debate and participate in the pressing issues of China’s future. Provocatively subtitled “China and the New World Disorder,” the event was attended by some 150 senior level executives of most of the well-known MNCs operating in China today. Via a series of different sessions, a number of China strategic and development issues were raised and discussed. The economists debate The first session, in which Shen Mingguo, China chief economist for Citigroup, Arthur Koebler of Gavekal Dragonomics, Xiao Geng, a Colombia University professor, and Xu Sitao, chief economist for the Economist, debated China’s development in light of the Global Financial Crisis, and made a variety of comments that gave rise to an expected slowdown in the Chinese economy. Stating that a change “from fast growth to sustained growth” was occurring, predictions were made that Chinese exports were set to slow by nearly 50 percent in the next decade, and that the inflation rate was expected to remain around the 5 percent mark for the period. **End Summary** Topics: Chna]]> economy]]> business]]> investment]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To read the rest of this article by Chris Devonshire-Ellis visit China-Briefing.com . Chris Devonshire-Ellis founded China Briefing, India Briefing and the Asia Briefing publishing house.

Story Of Three Chinese Eunuchs

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 21:45:22 -0400

What makes a man a man? No, not that. That only makes him a male monkey. No, being a real man lies in manly actions no other be-testicled animal would undertake. The male essence is exalted in acts of courage, innovation. That same essence clouds when it turns into failed ambition. Although deprived of their reproductive organs, all of the following Chinese men were indisputably male in deed, reminding us that we make far too much of our bodies, and little if anything of our spirits. Think bravery springs from twin glands, do you? Zheng He no doubt knew gut-bursting fear when the Chinese army routed his Muslim village in Yunnan and kidnapped him. If a father’s operation on his son to give him a career as a eunuch was gory (see below), one can only shudder at the cruel efficiency young Ma He suffered at his prison camp emasculation. Although his father had been to Mecca, and taken the name Ma to serve Allah and the Prophet Muhammad, Ma He became court eunuch to Prince Zhu Di, fourth son of the Chinese emperor. **End Summary** Topics: culture]]> China]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To read the rest of this story visit Chinaexpat.com, which is written for expats living in China . The site is contributed to by many expats, including Chris Devonshire-Ellis , Josh Gartner and Graham Thompson.

China Kicks Off Once-a-Decade Population Census

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:47:32 -0400

China began the colossal task of taking its sixth nationwide census on Monday in a project that will last from November 1 to November 10 and which will refresh China’s demographic figures. The national census, which is taken every 10 years, last put China’s population at 1.295 billion people. With China having undergone a period of rapid economic acceleration, as well as large waves of internal migration to urban areas, taking on the census this year will be no easy feat. Approximately 6.5 million people have been employed to knock on doors and collect the personal information of both Chinese citizens and foreigners living across the country. The government is pouring approximately US$104 million into the endeavor, hoping to gain more information on where people are actually living, instead of relying on where they are registered, also known as the hukou system. The census, scheduled to be released in April 2011, will also identify the current situation of migrant workers in urban areas, violations of the one-child policy, and other unknown demographic blips. **End Summary** Topics: China]]> census]]> population]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> This article was written for China-Briefing.com which was established by Chris Devonshire-Ellis . India-Briefing.com was also created by Chris Devonshire-Ellis .

Chris Devonshire-Ellis on Rebranding Your China Business Globally

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:46:48 -0400

It’s somewhat sad, and marks the end of an era in a way, but my firm’s Chinese logo has had to be ditched in the advent of a growing internationalization of the business. It’s pertinent, not just because our own business – for years purely China focused – has now become itself multinational, but also because increasingly, other China-based businesses will have to start thinking about the suitability of their logos when going overseas as well. The internationalization of Chinese businesses is going to become a growing trend, and the new multinationals are going to need to think about a new image to incorporate such developments. The old, Chinese Dezan Shira & Associates‘ logo spells xie li in archaic script, meaning “Working Together,” which was somewhat apt for a consulting practice. It had been in use for 18 years and was taken from an original chop made at the time especially for the firm by my then-girlfriend’s father. In fact, in those early days (no internet), contracts between the firm and our clients were even originally chopped using this seal. **End Summary** Topics: business]]> China]]> branding]]> marketing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To read the rest of this article by Chris Devonshire-Ellis visit China-Briefing.com . Chris Devonshire-Ellis founded China Briefing, India Briefing and the Asia Briefing publishing house.

âIndia Should Be More Like Chinaâ

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:45:51 -0400

The former campaign manager to U.S. President Barack Obama, Peter Dagher, suggested in New Delhi at an event organized by the Observer Research Foundation on Tuesday that India should follow China’s lead in conducting relations with the United States. With just a few days until President Obama departs for his 10-day tour of Asia on Friday, Dagher’s feedback casts an interesting light on the agendas and actions of Asian countries, and how these countries make themselves heard in the global arena. Obama is expected to address a host of economic issues including currency, trade imbalances, and collective action problems with regional countries India, Indonesia, South Korea, and Japan. Dagher’s comments, while independent from the Obama administration’s official foreign policy agenda, offer a candid picture of Sino-U.S. relations, and provide an interesting take on how India could boost its public image in the region. In comparing India and China’s relations with the United States, Dagher bluntly observed, “If the slightest thing is said against the Chinese, they react. They do saber-rattling. You have heard the expression, the squeaking wheel gets the grease. **End Summary** Topics: China]]> business]]> india]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> This article was written for India and China news source, 2point6billion.com, which was established by Chris Devonshire-Ellis . Chris Devonshire-Ellis also contributes to the China-Briefing.com

Chris Devonshire-Ellis: Chinaâs Indian City Equivalents

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 23:53:33 -0400

Interest in the China-India comparison has begun in earnest, and it’s not something that is going to disappear. While eyes have been on China for much of this year over currency issues, we finish 2010 with a U.S. presidential visit – but to India, where Barack Obama is visiting in a little over a week’s time. Inevitable China-India distinctions are going to be made, and you can bet that of these, a greater understanding of India, rather than China will follow. I recognized the issues between the two countries several years ago, and was asked earlier this week why I’d decided to develop my practice out of China and into India. The reasons were as follows: Personal development At the time we already had seven offices in China (now increased to 10) and, as head of the business, it alarmed me that I wasn’t personally finding the opening of a new office in China so much of a thrill. That’s bad news for a COO, and indicative that I needed to go find a new challenge to keep me occupied – or leave the business. **End Summary** Topics: China]]> India]]> business]]> investment]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To read the rest of this article by Chris Devonshire-Ellis visit China Briefing . Chris Devonshire-Ellis founded China Briefing, India Briefing and the Asia Briefing publishing house.