China Connect 13

Flexibility meets Speed - Insights into Chinese Business Culture

With WANG Ning.
In this episode of ChinaConnect, we speak with Mr. WANG Ning, Vice General Manager of Yinlun Group and CEO & President of Yinlun Group Europe, about how Chinese business culture functions in practice — beyond formal organisational charts and official meetings. Drawing on his experience in senior leadership roles at major German automotive companies and in German–Chinese industrial cooperation, he explains the concept of "shadow organisations" and informal decision-makers, how to identify the real power structures behind negotiations, and why trust-building and informal exchanges are essential for success. Listeners gain actionable insights on navigating communication gaps, ensuring the right stakeholders receive the right information, and understanding why publicly stated goals may differ from operational priorities. WANG Ning also reflects on strategic differences: when German precision, long-term planning, and risk minimisation are advantageous — and when speed, flexibility, and rapid iteration, typical of Chinese firms, can create competitive advantage. Listeners come away with practical tools to operate more effectively in German–Chinese business cooperation.