Ever since China emerged relatively unscathed from the global financial crisis, foreign governments and business people have been complaining about what they say is a new arrogance among Chinese leaders – and much tougher conditions for multinationals doing business in China.
But in Shanghai – where a disproportionately large amount of that business is done – such complaints are often greeted with scepticism, by businessmen, lawyers, bankers, economists and diplomats – not to mention one of the main foreign business organisations in the city.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai has released the results of a survey carried out last week showing a strikingly positive attitude among businesses in Shanghai.