Jack’s Thoughts on China
JACK
I have just returned from 3 weeks in China. I found the entire trip so invigorating and informative that I want to share my impressions. There is no question that China is the emerging power in the world and I feel that I have personally gained insight into the irresistible force and psychology that motivates a billion three hundred million people.
Let’s start with the fact that I am an old hand at trade and personal relations with the Chinese. I made my first deal as a 22 year old kid fresh out of the U.S. Air Force by selling thousands of yards of navy blue woolen material to the Chinese. That was in 1946. World War II had just ended. All materials were in short supply if at all available. Through the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, International Division, we received a list of Chinese importers who were looking for this Navy Blue woolen material. We found that great quantities of olive drab material were available from U.S. Army Surplus and we dyed the olive drab to navy and were able to make the deal. From that day to this, in all of my dealings, I have had nothing but honest and satisfying experiences with China. I have also witnessed their transition into a powerhouse that is destined to play an important influence in world affairs.
I could not help but reflect on my return from China how fortunate I am. My company, Jack Nadel International has grown to 24 offices around the world and I personally was working with our Chinese associates creating new products for worldwide distribution. It has been 61 years since my first transaction and I realized that I could be dealing with the children and grandchildren of my trading partners so many years ago. Despite the advances in technology, I come home from this trip with an encouraging feeling of personal and business relationships that surpass miles and time.
A huge population has finally met modern technology. Towering skyscrapers stand where there was once barren land. This year I discovered a China in which I am told starvation no longer exists. Although the government is Communist, they have come to grips with the realities of today’s world. We all looked on anxiously in 1997 when Hong Kong made the peaceful transition from a British Crown Colony to becoming part of the Peoples Republic of China. The Chinese government said they would not change Hong Kong’s business plan and indeed they have not. The great Chinese traders from Hong Kong have made the transition as well and are bringing their entrepreneurial skills to Mainland China. As an American businessman, my observation is that everyone benefits from following this economic model.
I could easily write a book about China and its multitude of opportunities. I cannot speak for the longevity of their political system, but believe that they are going to prove that a Socialist government can live comfortably with our capitalistic society. If we continue to bring to the table our diverse skills and also understand the culture of our Chinese friends, we can serve as a model that is not only peaceful co-existence—but highly profitable as well.
In Beijing, they are busily planning for the 2008 Olympics. I think that the rest of the world will be stunned by the transition of China into the 21st Century. So many people wonder if all the facilities will be in order, ready and working. I am convinced that it will be done. It seems to me that deadlines can be met when you have an inexhaustible population and a willingness to use all the resources that are available.
These are part of my insights. China has made its move as it embraces modern technology with raw people power. In Shanghai, there is one of many skyscrapers where you can zoom from the ground to the 88th floor in 45 seconds. There is now in existence a magnet train that goes from the Shanghai airport to center city in 7 minutes normally a minimum of 1 hour by car. All the Chinese people that I visited with were optimistic about their future. In an ancient society that is predominately Buddhist, there is no antagonism towards any other religion.
This population is ready to live at peace with the rest of the world. This is evident in the fact that at the end of your visit to the ancient Forbidden City in Beijing, there is a friendly Starbucks along side a traditional Chinese Noodle Restaurant.
Communication is inspiration! Share your thoughts below.
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Its incredible to hear about China through yours’ and Julies’ trip. Just to hear that there are no more starving people is very uplifting. Starbucks at the endtrance to the Forbidden City is very scary. xLJBx
Lorna 04/23/07 @ 9:44 amHi Jack and Julie,
It was just fasinating reading all about your trip to China. I enjoyed reading about your first deal in business with the Chinese after you got out of the US Air Force. What a lasting and wonderful relationship you have had with them over the years. I was, however, very surprised to learn how progressive China is and how modern they have become in the 21st Century. I am very pleased to learn that starvation no longer exists. Sadly, when I think of China, I think of rice patties and many people living in poverty. I am glad to learn that this situation has gotten a lot better. I love the Olympics, and I agree with you that I think China will surprise a lot of people around the world with presenting the 2008 Olympics in a way that most people wouldn’t have imagined. It will give many people a whole new impression of the Chinese people and their government. Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to read your comments on your most recent trip to China. It was an insight into a country that I really don’t know much about and was very pleased to hear such positive comments on a country that is certainly an emerging power in our world!
Sharon Weintraub 04/24/07 @ 7:26 amJack…your entry was wonderful! It makes me want to visit today’s China in a way I had never thought about before. I always enjoy the position spin you apply to the many pathways in your life!!! xxxshelly
shelly slubowski 04/24/07 @ 8:09 amHi Jack,
We read your article and are looking forward to hearing more about the China trip. I also printed out the piece on “Senior Survival Guide” for a heads up for Mike, who tends to be excessive in his exercise routine and golf practice. His attitude about golf needs adjusting. Less self denigration and more enjoyment would be good.
-Dale
Dale 04/25/07 @ 11:59 amHi Jack,
I enjoyed reading about your impressions of China on your recent trip. It sounds facinating! It was great to read about your prospective through your many years of business development in China.
I saw a recent program about a jeans factory in China.
They interviewed the workers, who were mainly young women (even 14 yrs. old). They worked unbelievable hours while living in dormatories away from their families. Their wages were meager, as was their food.
Does this still exist in China? I suppose it must take time with progress. Look at our history in the US.
Child labor laws aren’t that old!
I would be intersted in your remarks.
Shelly 04/25/07 @ 12:01 pmLots of love and thanks, again, for sharing your recent trip.
Shelly
Hi Jack!
This was an awesome article! Obviously, there is a lot to learn about other countries. Most Americans haven’t got a clue about anything but their immediate surroundings. I do have a question for you. I recently went to a Brotherhood Brunch at my Temple. The speaker talked about the Jews in Shanghai. Do you know if their is a significant Jewish population in China? It would seem that there should be Jews in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and other cities there. Did you see any synagogues while you were there? I was just curious. Perhaps you could let me know.
Keep on writing. I really enjoy your website.
Arnie.
Arnie Weintraub 04/25/07 @ 2:01 pmI am so glad to see that you have such good feelings about China and confirm the great development of China. It would be more than perfect if every American could see the present chinese life, especially the American government. Probably the word SOCIALIST COUNTRY is hard to understand to most American people, please come to China to see in person. I really got a lot of american tourists in my work, yes, I got so many special views about China, some are called urban rumors. Sometimes I feel sad that some people got the special ideas about China from those rumors, like beggors everywhere and homeless everywhere and persecutions from the government. That is not true. China is a country with freedom, freedom of trade, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, just like the United State. The Chinese people are happy with our government and happy with our life now.
Thank Jack for you speak out what you see and what you feel about the true China. Traveling is great for it lets people see. Welcome every American to China, to see.
Susan 04/25/07 @ 3:47 pm