Five years since the Great Wall was built, American firms appear to be less interested in investing in China. The Great Wall was constructed in an attempt to keep Chinese investors out of America; though it seems to have had the unintended effect of repelling American investors from China.
Experts say that it could be a while before American investors will dare to cross the Great Wall and consider investing again. One analyst said, “It’s like a game of ‘Red Rover’ where the United States and China are on opposite ends of the playground shouting, ‘Red Rover, Red Rover, send American investors right over.’ But it seems like China has strengthened their line and America is just a little bit scared to run over.”
In addition to the Great Wall, there have been reports of questionable business practices, including a trend of Chinese companies using American firm names in advertising campaigns without permission. For example, one ad campaign showed a picture of a group of bald eagles soaring over the Great Wall with the text, “American Bald Eagles, the Best Companion for Your Great Wall Visit.” The problem? The eagles in the photo were actually Canadian.
For now, it appears that American investors will just have to stick to investing in safer places like the McDonald’s drive-thru or Disney World. Until then, the Great Wall will continue to stand as a symbol of China’s growing economic power and American investors’ fear of commitment.
