China at a Glance
Moving to China
iStockphotoWith over 1.3 billion citizens, China is the world's most populous country.
When the People’s Republic of China pursued a politics of isolation in the Maoist era, after 1949, moving to China was virtually impossible. However, in the early 1970s, the nation ended its self-imposed isolation, taking a seat in the UN. After Mao’s death in 1976, the country embarked upon a policy of economic, albeit not necessarily political, liberalization. Foreigners – investors, businesspeople, English teachers – started moving to China again.
The Current Economic Climate
Nowadays, the Chinese constitution officially protects private property, and the nation has become a WTO member. More and more foreign companies and employees are therefore planning to move to China, the country of superlatives.
Everybody may dimly remember from geography lessons that China is among the five biggest countries in the world and the most populous one, too. Readers of business magazines are very aware of the country’s status as the “workshop of the world”. Even though its rapid growth slowed down somewhat in 2012, it is still the global export champion and the second biggest economy worldwide. No wonder that so many businesses, managers, and highly qualified staff plan on moving to China.
Expatriates can witness its current economic boom firsthand. The nation’s economic growth and social change are also reflected in political developments. The Communist Party is gradually adopting a more business-friendly attitude. It’s now oriented towards the middle classes rather than the ideological ideal of “workers and peasants”.
Today, moving to China is not a distant dream, but a sudden reality for many people. The country’s image abroad remains, however, an ambiguous one.
The Political Situation
Politically speaking, the People’s Republic is an authoritarian one-party state. Expats moving to China may be aware of the criticism by human rights organizations. Those NGOs regularly point out issues such as inadequate freedom of expression, judicial malpractice, or mistreatment of prisoners.
But this is one side of the country that expats will probably never see. Other problems of this booming nation will only become visible if you leave the coastal hotspots where most foreigners end up. In China’s provincial towns, you might notice the comparative rural poverty in contrast to the prospering urban middle classes.
A Unique Opportunity
Nonetheless, if you have the opportunity, don’t think twice about moving to China. Despite the often critical image in Western media, many expats don’t regret their decision. Quite the opposite, indeed. If you have the soft skills to cope with culture shock and the language barrier, your move to China will be an occasionally frustrating, but eventually rewarding venture.
Most expatriates find that the locals they meet during their stay are friendly and welcoming hosts. On a personal rather than a political level, they wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity of moving to China.
The Expat Job Market
Foreign experts with certain “hard skills” are sought after by international companies with production plants or branch offices on the Chinese mainland. Coveted skills include experience in manufacturing, engineering, environmental technology, med tech, or tourism, as well as production, project and quality management. If you aren’t sent to China on a traditional expat assignment with a contract from your employer, these are the assets that may help you land a job in the “Middle Kingdom”.
Many self-made expats, particularly English native speakers, also apply for Teaching English as a Foreign Language at Chinese schools or universities. In any case, you should preferably have a job before you actually move abroad. Non-tourist visas for moving to China are strongly tied to invitations from future employers or letters of acceptance from a Chinese university.
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