Is Chinese an asset for you in your work outside China?

[Silent]

 

I find the story of the guy who got turned down for speaking Chinese rather ridiculous. Either the manager was an idiot who really was that paranoid, or that was just an excuse because they couldn't/wouldn't give the real reason. Do they really believe language is a barrier when a Chinese company wants to buy someone? And do they just hand sensitive information to new employees without getting an idea of how loyal and reliable they are?

 

Sure, it's an excuse and/or an overreaction but I think your point's are cutting some corners too. Language is absolutely a barrier, maybe not as large as it has been and it's decreasing but language and culture still form a gap. However, why be afraid of the Chinese? In Europe there are plenty of competing manufacturers too. Does that mean that people who speak German, Italian or Swedish are banned too?

 

And yes, they do give sensitive information to the newbies, without the information the newbies are not able to fully contribute to the reseach & development. How loyal and reliable they 're is assessed in the hiring proces. As an insurence they'll add a clause to the contract forbidding you to join the competition.