Dear Friends,
Let me tell you something I’ve seen more than once.
A few years ago, two professionals went to the same industrial trade fair in Germany. Same sector, similar experience, similar concerns about where Europe was heading. If you had asked anyone there, they would have said these two were equally prepared for the future.
Recently, they met again.
Both still managing industrial firms. Both competent. Both respected.
But their situations had drifted apart.
One now spends his time explaining to the board why margins are under pressure and why a Chinese competitor “suddenly” appeared and changed the game.
The other doesn’t seem surprised at all.
He adjusted earlier. Looked elsewhere. Questioned assumptions. Opened conversations that felt uncomfortable at the time.
So what changed?
Not intelligence. Not capital. Nothing dramatic.
Just attention.
One kept looking at Europe.
The other spent time trying to understand China.
Most conversations about China here still happen at a safe distance. Panels. Reports. Carefully chosen words.
This newsletter is my attempt to reduce that distance a little.
Not to defend China. Not to attack Europe.
Just to observe what is actually happening and think about what it means for us.
Because sometimes the difference between struggling and adapting isn’t brilliance.
It’s simply noticing what others prefer not to see.
Cheers,
Augusto
Founder of Expat Eyes on China
I hope you enjoy this newsletter. Please continue to forward it to anyone else who might enjoy it. They can sign up here.
P.S. The book that helped me think more clearly about this shift is Discover China by Eric Nie. He doesn’t theorize from a distance — he’s lived the difference. If you want a deeper foundation, it’s worth your time: https://ericonchina.com/products/discover-china-a-guide-for-international-readers-ebook-edition