In my work I meet a huge range of Chinese from all levels of society. They do not like the govt in Beijing but as long as they can make money they are not too bothered.

Currently in the news at present is a lot about Taiwan and Japan. For mainland Chinese Taiwan and the Tibet issue are totally black and white. They are theirs to do with what they want. The fact that Taiwan has a going economy and it invest heavily in China is not mentioned in the news here.

The anti-Japanese feeling is very high, I can understand that, but again the party makes sure that all the facts are not available.

China's economy will continue to grow but it will be harder for the west and other asian countries to deal with, China will strike a hard bargain for entry into it's economy.

Corruption is prevalent at all levels of industry and government despite the jailing and even execution of corrupt officials, when the people below see that happening they too see no problem with a bribe here or there, it become a fact of life. So apart from having a breakneck growth economicaly the corruption is growing too.

On a personal level I get along with my neighbours and Chinese friends very well but on a work level I am always asking myself 'what does this person want when I am doing business.

Outside of China most peoples contact with the Chinese is when they visit a resteraunt or a corner shop. Dealing with the Chinese on a daily basis is a constant learning game. On balance I like living and working here, but having seen how Chinese companies are managed and the pressures brought to bear on work colleagues in those companies I am glad I work for a non Chinese one.

Chinese companies are now buying overseas companies, viz Lenovo buying IBM, the failed buyout of Rover by Shanghai Auto. The Chinese managers themselves in thse companies will have a hard time relating to western values just like we westerners have a hard time relating to Chinese values.

Sorry about the thread drift.