Analysis | The Chinese billionaire who rides the tiger can never get off
Beware of entering into partnerships with the state, as the rule of law may not be the only one that matters. It’s the kind of business where occasionally people disappear
News of the disappearance of Chinese billionaire Xiao Jianhua from Hong Kong was widely reported in the media locally and internationally.
Unconfirmed reports said he was abducted and whisked across the border over his business dealings with powerful figures in China who might have been targeted in the graft crackdown.
Xiao’s disappearance has raised fresh fears about Beijing’s growing lack of respect for Hong Kong’s autonomy and independence in law enforcement.
For wealthy businessmen from the mainland or Hong Kong, this is not their most immediate concern. The central message of the alleged abduction is to send a strong signal to them about the dangers of questionable dealings with those in power.
Throughout human history and across all cultures, wealthy businessmen have feared government, and have worried about how to conduct their business activities as a consequence. They have three main concerns.