Editor’s Note

Global China Connection is a 501(c)3 nonprofit professional development organization dedicated to connecting and empowering young leaders who share an interest in China. Through regular events and educational seminars, GCC seeks to bring together members for learning, networking and developing future professional opportunities. We also strive to advance international trust and understanding through alumni relationships.

Founded by Global China Connection, GCC Insights is a monthly publication produced by the members of GCC, reflecting our goal to foster meaningful connections, relevant dialogue, and unbiased understanding between China and the rest of the world. All articles are written by university students who share the view that China’s global role will continue to expand. Each issue contains three topic-based columns: Industry Insights, International Relations, and Culture.

For general inquiries or article submission guidelines, please email: marketing@gccglobal.org

For more details about our organization or additional information on how to become involved with GCC, please visit our official website at: www.gccglobal.org

Alice Zhou & Isabel Liu
Editors-in-Chief
GCC Insights

Tesla: The Future of Automation

An Analysis of Tesla – Autopilot, Elon Musk and Stock Market Trends

According to Forbes (2020), “Tesla Is Now the World’s Most Valuable Car Company With A $208 Billion Valuation” (Forbes). Being one of the world’s leading car manufacturing companies, Tesla becomes the world’s most valuable automaker. Without a doubt, Tesla success is worth discussing. This article will focus on Tesla’s Autopilot system, the founder of Tesla– Elon Musk, and the analysis of Tesla stock.

After the Pandemic: Impacts of COVID-19

Impacts of COVID-19 on Business Models, Financial Institutions and Consumer Behaviors

There is no doubt that Covid-19 has brought unprecedented changes for every entity, even for the individuals or businesses that used to do well in counter risk management. The pandemic reshapes the future not only to households, well more radically to the business scenarios. Phenomenal stagnation in supply chains, the accelerated shift towards digital shopping, and turbulence and corresponding reformation in the financial market can make people realize the strike has come more fiercely than imagined.

U.S.-China Relations Under the Biden Administration

Developments Impacting U.S.-China Political and Business Engagement in the Biden-Era

The US-China relations went through a long slump during the previous Trump administration with Donald Trump’s hard-line tactics to counter China’s rise. The hot topic of days and the believers of “China Threat” theory were coming into the limelight claiming that a new “Cold war” was brewing. However, with the new Biden administration, it is believed that the earlier confrontational stance could change for the better from “fundamental competition” to fundamental cooperation on certain key areas, like climate change, fight against Pandemic, etc where China and the US could work together. In addition, in a world where China triumphs as a sole “manufacturing hub” being a leader in global supply chains, the earlier administration’s tough stance wasn’t all welcoming. On the backdrop of this regime change and how far the Biden administration may be willing to change its engagement vis a vis China from its predecessor’s harsh stand, we’ll be enumerating a list of areas where changes could be expected ranging from education to trade.

Africa in the Global World: Increasing Strategic Rivalries Over the Region

An Analysis on the Chinese, Russian and European Presences in Africa

The region that was once called the “white man’s burden” is what major global powers are vying for today. The African region which is rich in natural resources and has great potential for market development coupled with other major factors has become what some might call “a resource curse”. The great power rivalries reached the continent when Europe and the USA ignored the potential and strategic importance of the region. The laid-back approach of the west has led two of the emerging powers to gain a threshold and exploit the richness of the region. China extended its economic ties in Africa and has become the largest trading partner of the region now. Russia too has been expanding its presence in the region which was lost since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This only reflects how Africa has become a hotbed of rivalries when European countries are soon realizing their declining presence in the region. In this article, we’ll be analyzing Chinese, Russian and European presence in the African region and how over the years, the rivalries have intensified due to a number of factors.

Guanxi: How Cultural Values Affect Business

An Analysis of Guanxi – a Form of Interpersonal Interaction in the Chinese Society

Guanxi(关系) is a unique form of interpersonal interaction in Chinese society. The direct translations of this term, like “connections”, “relationships” or “networks”, all fail to reflect the profound cultural meaning Guanxi stands for. Guanxi refers to networks of contacts with which people will prevail upon another. Such strong personal relationships are usually permanent and involve reciprocal favors for the relationship maintenance. Guanxi is a social capital, especially in the business context. Chinese businessmen tend to prioritize or favor those who cultivate Guanxi with them when they initiate business. Therefore, Guanxi can indeed turn into opportunities and material benefits for people who own it.