Cars in particular are interesting, because in many cases, they're assembled in the country they're sold in, using parts manufactured in multiple other countries, on behalf of a company headquartered in yet another country. I tend to think of cars generally as a kind of global commodity, although I admit that Chinese cars feel separate from that, mostly because I'm in the US and thus have no exposure to Chinese car brands (hence they feel "foreign" in a way Honda and VW do not), but perhaps also because I assume that they are manufactured entirely in China, thus aligning them more closely with that country than other brands with their respective home countries. Much like the point about how one would market a Chinese dish in different parts of the US: perception is often more important than reality. Great podcast, gave me a lot to think about.
25:12 How can Chinese companies avoid the same fate as TikTok? Can a Chinese company still dare to be Chinese in the overseas market?
It doesn't seem like this question was really discussed—instead, the conversation seemed to revolve around promoting the unique Chinese characteristics of the product and adapting to the culture, which is really generic advice for non-controversial things (like makeup or food). I thought there would be a juicier conversation here around Chinese companies trying to expand in geopolitically hostile countries (e.g. TikTok)
Honestly, I have a similar feeling too. But I understand that Han, being a lawyer, is quite discreet about those sensitive matters. Maybe it’s also because of my lack of interrogation skills :D
Actually we could go into this with more detail as there’s quite a lot to cover under this specific topic. I would discuss case studies of other Chinese companies also.
Thanks for an interesting interview. One thing that I fail to recognize though, is in the last section (38:15) you discuss "OA", as a famous but different thing that can be hard to relate to. However you never elaborate on what "OA" is. I fail to recognize this acronym, could you please share a few sentences on what it stands for?
What Robert said. OA software usually comprise a whole suite of functions like HR functions, daily check-ins when arriving at workplace, welfare benefits, leave applications, internal training portal, and even internal ecommerce portal for company merchandise, etc. These functions are usually developed with norms local to Mainland China, so many would likely not be applicable for employees outside of Mainland China, but yet they would still be required to use this platform as part of their work.
Thanks Robert and Han, that explains it very well. Have not used that term that often, but rather just refered to it as HR processes or systems. I do recognize the "pain" though for working in multinational companies that have standardized on a system designed for another country, while trying to follow local norms. Even within western countries, this is not frictionless.
All platforms operating in Mainland China which collect local user data are required to store such user data in jurisdiction. Facebook declined to comply and so they do not operate there (which is not a ban, contrary to the narrative that you have been fed).
Your questions are strange because you are alleging things which I did not say.
But you do raise a great point, I stated in the podcast that compliance with the law is paramount. Could you point to which standards you are referring to and how has TikTok not complied with them?
Cars in particular are interesting, because in many cases, they're assembled in the country they're sold in, using parts manufactured in multiple other countries, on behalf of a company headquartered in yet another country. I tend to think of cars generally as a kind of global commodity, although I admit that Chinese cars feel separate from that, mostly because I'm in the US and thus have no exposure to Chinese car brands (hence they feel "foreign" in a way Honda and VW do not), but perhaps also because I assume that they are manufactured entirely in China, thus aligning them more closely with that country than other brands with their respective home countries. Much like the point about how one would market a Chinese dish in different parts of the US: perception is often more important than reality. Great podcast, gave me a lot to think about.
25:12 How can Chinese companies avoid the same fate as TikTok? Can a Chinese company still dare to be Chinese in the overseas market?
It doesn't seem like this question was really discussed—instead, the conversation seemed to revolve around promoting the unique Chinese characteristics of the product and adapting to the culture, which is really generic advice for non-controversial things (like makeup or food). I thought there would be a juicier conversation here around Chinese companies trying to expand in geopolitically hostile countries (e.g. TikTok)
Honestly, I have a similar feeling too. But I understand that Han, being a lawyer, is quite discreet about those sensitive matters. Maybe it’s also because of my lack of interrogation skills :D
Actually we could go into this with more detail as there’s quite a lot to cover under this specific topic. I would discuss case studies of other Chinese companies also.
We will invite you for a second time!
I am looking forward to that discussion - it is the elephant in the room when talking about China's overseas expansion!
Thanks for an interesting interview. One thing that I fail to recognize though, is in the last section (38:15) you discuss "OA", as a famous but different thing that can be hard to relate to. However you never elaborate on what "OA" is. I fail to recognize this acronym, could you please share a few sentences on what it stands for?
What Robert said. OA software usually comprise a whole suite of functions like HR functions, daily check-ins when arriving at workplace, welfare benefits, leave applications, internal training portal, and even internal ecommerce portal for company merchandise, etc. These functions are usually developed with norms local to Mainland China, so many would likely not be applicable for employees outside of Mainland China, but yet they would still be required to use this platform as part of their work.
Thanks Robert and Han, that explains it very well. Have not used that term that often, but rather just refered to it as HR processes or systems. I do recognize the "pain" though for working in multinational companies that have standardized on a system designed for another country, while trying to follow local norms. Even within western countries, this is not frictionless.
It stands for "Office Automation". So software for internal approval processes, application for holidays, daily check-ins etc.
And why is Tik Tok itself banned in China? Must be a valid reason.
All platforms operating in Mainland China which collect local user data are required to store such user data in jurisdiction. Facebook declined to comply and so they do not operate there (which is not a ban, contrary to the narrative that you have been fed).
So it’s Ok for China to impose standards but racist when the US does it? Is that the narrative you are fed?
Your questions are strange because you are alleging things which I did not say.
But you do raise a great point, I stated in the podcast that compliance with the law is paramount. Could you point to which standards you are referring to and how has TikTok not complied with them?
Why is Tik Tok banned?
Is it?
Dude….
Why are American social media platforms banned in China?
Did you know Microsoft, Google, Facebook, (not an exhaustive list) all have offices and employees in Mainland China?
Not sure why u avoid my question.
I’m asking you to consider the accuracy of the underlying assumptions of your question.