It won’t go away. Companies seeking more business in China can no longer disregard the Chinese Consumer. He/She really does wield enormous power. If you think business in China is just about business – think again.
Today it is Burberry feeling the pressure as Tencent, a large China technology company, draws back from the UK company. Burberry is a member of the Better Cotton Initiative which has cut ties with cotton growers in Xinjiang. China knows how to protect itself.
Former CBI President, Paul Drechler, said: “The Chinese don’t play with little marbles – they go big”. Shaun Rein, MD of China Market Research Group said the Chinese consumer’s anger at western brands is “very real”.
In the past, China’s attacks on western brands have blown over. Not now. They are more frequent and more intense. UK business needs to learn. Don’t listen to the Henry Jackson Society.
