“China has consistently surprised us. When I returned from the United States many years ago, it was unimaginable that we would end up where we are now. What China has achieved defies all logic. I credit this to the hard work and enterprising spirit of the Chinese people.” PeopleYearsEndsHardStatesSpiritUnitedUnited StatesHard WorkYears AgoLogicChinaCreditChineseConsistentlyUnimaginableEnterprising Author:Zhang Xin
“I am a runner. Last October, there was a marathon here in Beijing. I didn't participate this time, but friends told me that the run wasn't prepared too well. The organizers had only arranged about three hours' worth of food and water supplies. Most people don't finish within three hours, however. Too bad for them - or so it seemed. In fact, however, even those finishing last were perfectly taken care of, particularly during the fourth and fifth hour when demand is highest.” PeopleWellsFactsCareRunningLastsThreeWaterHoursTakenDemandHighestPreparedFourthRunnersFifthMarathonFinishingOctoberSuppliesOrganizerBeijing Author:Zhang Xin
“Because people along the route had realized that there was demand and quickly organized supply. That's so Chinese. In a well-organized country like Germany, such a problem may not have arisen in the first place, but in China people immediately recognized an opportunity.” PeopleFirstsWellsMayCountryProblemOpportunityDemandChinaChineseGermanyOrganizedRoutes Author:Zhang Xin
“I have a profound dislike for showing off one's material wealth. This is insensitive and it is not what human hearts are made for. But what I like about China and sometimes miss in Europe is the entrepreneurial spirit of our young people, their ambition and dynamism.” PeopleHumansHeartMadeSometimesYoungSpiritWealthMissingMaterialsAmbitionEuropeProfoundChinaDislikeHuman HeartEntrepreneurialShowing OffInsensitiveDynamismMaterial WealthEntrepreneurial Spirit Author:Zhang Xin
“We are not very good at this. Our success rests on our international experience and on our ability to read the market. And I contest the notion that you can only succeed in China when you are well-connected. Neither my husband nor I are "princelings" - children of influential people, that is. And yet China has enabled us to succeed.” PeopleWellsChildrenAbilitySucceedHusbandNotionVery GoodInternationalChinaConnectedMy HusbandContestsInfluentialInfluential People Author:Zhang Xin
“But the higher our standard of living, the higher our levels of education, the further people will look around. And we can see which level of openness other societies enjoy. We are no different - we too want more freedom. The question is: How much freedom will be allowed?” PeopleWantLooksDifferentEnjoyLevelsHigherStandardsOpennessStandards Of Living Author:Zhang Xin
