Southern China Commentary

This recent New York Times article “American Graduates Finding Jobs in China” has drawn lots of attention. It’s been making the email rounds since its release this morning and is currently the most popular article at New York Times Online.

（Side note: I deny having read “Pain of Being a Redhead.”)

Anyway, it’s a quick read which I recommend. But, since I know our readers don’t read, here’s the executive summary:

American Graduates are coming to China predominantly for three reasons:

1. The Chinese economy is “surging”
2. The cost of living is “lower”
3. The chance to leap ahead in seniority without having to wait and “pay dues”

I agree with all the three points but will ignore the first two because they don’t interest me. As for point #3, I see it all the time, sometimes even in the mirror. My question is, how much of it is merit based and how much is preferential treatment for foreigners? What would it take to change this reality? Thoughts or personal anecdotes, anyone?

On a related note, Junde wrote “9 reasons why Singaporeans should live and work in China” several months ago. It is more thorough and accurate than anything the New York Times could write. He also shorted Wall Street all last year and marks 2017 as the date North Korea opens up.