▌肖媛龄 借助张惠雯细腻精巧的文字与大洋彼岸的"移民生活"对望时，我发现，原本在脑中预设的中西思想文化 的对抗、华人在异国自我身份的确认、种族差异带来的文化冲击等等都被无声地消解，我感触到的，是 人类灵魂的强烈共振，这似乎比差异性本身所带来的冲击更让人动容。 陶渊明诗言："但识琴中趣，何劳弦上声。"是说渊明抚琴，不求众耳听闻，唯求与自我及天地精神相契 的幽微振动。张惠雯的叙事便恰似这般：她不急于在情节中绷紧文化冲突的"弦"，不以猎奇的异域旋律 吸引耳朵，而是将笔触探入"灵魂内里的波动和幽曲的斗争"，去奏响那些超越国界、语言、种族的，女 性甚至整个人类所共有的迸发自生命的颤音。 "移民生活"和"赴美华人"，这两个词是我读《在南方》前对这本书的最初印象。我怀着对"移民生活"的 好奇打开了书，期待文字带我抵达一个我并不熟悉的语境，让我能在其中感受异域的风情，捕捉不同生 活经验下人们的情绪感受。 上的不过是一个夜晚，是一个想象中的人，它们让她接近过幸福"，但"或许每个人至少都得去爱那么一 样东西，从中得到那么一点快乐"，这并非妥协，而是在认清生活荒芜本质后，依然选择为自己点亮的 微光；《暮色温柔》里，一对情侣中的美国 ...

听闻西洋国家荷兰希望遣使来贺，他龙心大悦。对当时的清朝人来说，欧洲人是世上最奇异的番族：卷 曲的头发，形似内衣的紧身裤，还有怪异的举止。使团的正使、学者德胜（Isaac Titsingh）和副使、精 明的商人范罢览（Andreas Everardus van Braam）致信请求觐见。皇帝给了他们肯定的答复："自应准其 来京瞻觐，遂其向慕之忱。 乾隆皇帝由此开启了前现代史上东西方关系中最有趣的插曲之一。1795年访华的荷兰使团鲜为人知，却 是最后一个按照传统中国朝廷觐见礼仪受到接待的欧洲外交使团。直到1839年至1842年的鸦片战争，清 廷被迫签署一系列臭名昭著的不平等条约之时，中国才再次迎接同等级别的外交使团。 1795年访华的荷兰使团，是最后一个按照传统中国朝廷觐见礼仪受到接待的欧洲外交使团。直到1839年 至1842年的鸦片战争，清廷被迫签署一系列臭名昭著的不平等条约之时，中国才再次迎接同等级别的外 交使团。 1794年，乾隆皇帝准备举行登基六十年庆典。臣子奏请大办新春盛典：摆筵席，放烟火，办诗会，唱大 戏。王公大臣将来颂贺；价值连城的礼物将进献至全世界最辉煌的宫殿和最宏伟的园林；满洲贵族、蒙 古王公、 ...

Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Ceconomy by JD.com represents a significant move by a Chinese company into the European market, highlighting the complexities of cultural barriers and trust-building in international business [1][19]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - JD.com announced its intention to acquire Germany's largest electronics retailer, Ceconomy, for approximately €2.2 billion (about 18.5 billion RMB), marking one of the largest acquisitions by a Chinese company in Europe in recent years [3][21]. - The acquisition has received approval from the German Federal Cartel Office, paving the way for the transaction [3][21]. - JD.com aims to acquire a 45.5% stake in Ceconomy in the first phase of the stock buyback plan, with a second phase to complete the remaining 29% by November 27 [11][29]. Group 2: Cultural and Economic Concerns - The acquisition has raised concerns in France due to Ceconomy's status as the second-largest shareholder of Fnac Darty, a company deeply rooted in French culture [3][21]. - French authorities have imposed conditions on JD.com to ensure that it will not influence the governance or management of Fnac Darty, addressing public concerns about cultural sovereignty [4][22]. - The French Minister of Economy emphasized the cultural significance of Fnac and the need for JD.com to respect its heritage [6][24]. Group 3: Market Position and Strategy - Fnac Darty, with projected sales of approximately €8.25 billion in 2024, is a major player in the European retail market, selling a wide range of products through both online and offline channels [7][25]. - JD.com has been expanding its presence in Europe, including launching the online platform Joybuy in France, which offers a diverse range of products with a promise of same-day delivery [16][34]. - The acquisition is seen as beneficial for both JD.com and European retailers, as it allows JD.com to leverage advanced technology and efficiency while gaining insights into consumer behavior in Europe [35].

Core Viewpoint - Chinese companies expanding into Latin America face significant cultural, institutional, and psychological challenges, particularly in workplace culture and employee expectations [4][20]. Group 1: Cultural and Institutional Challenges - Chinese enterprises often overlook local labor laws, such as Mexico's PTU, which mandates that 10% of taxable profits be distributed to employees, leading to financial strain and operational disruptions [6][16]. - The clash of work ethics is evident, with Chinese companies emphasizing performance metrics and long hours, while Latin American cultures prioritize family and community, creating tension in workplace dynamics [7][8]. Group 2: Employee Financial Management - In Brazil, employees often require bi-monthly salary payments due to tight cash flow, which contrasts with the Chinese practice of monthly payments, highlighting the need for local adaptation in payroll practices [7][8]. - Many employees in Brazil rely on installment payments for daily expenses, indicating a broader cultural approach to financial management that Chinese companies must understand [8]. Group 3: Recruitment and Legal Compliance - Chinese companies must adapt their recruitment practices to comply with local laws that prohibit discrimination based on age, marital status, or reproductive history, necessitating a thorough understanding of local regulations [10]. - Successful companies, like SHEIN, actively engage in local cultural integration to attract talent that resonates with their brand values [10]. Group 4: Union Dynamics - Unions in Latin America play a complex role, serving not only as labor representatives but also as political networks, which Chinese companies must navigate carefully to avoid conflicts [13][14]. - Understanding the dual role of unions as both advocates for employee welfare and political entities is crucial for maintaining operational stability [14]. Group 5: Strategic Adaptation - The real challenge for Chinese companies abroad is not a lack of resources but a failure to recognize and adapt to local cultural and institutional differences, which can lead to severe operational setbacks [16][18]. - Companies must establish effective communication with local unions and involve local executives in decision-making to ensure smoother operations [17]. Group 6: Long-term Commitment - Companies must embrace a long-term perspective, recognizing that understanding and respecting local cultures and practices is essential for sustainable success in foreign markets [18][20]. - The journey of international expansion is not merely about profit but also about adapting management philosophies and operational strategies to fit local contexts [20].

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding Jun Ji-hyun's new drama "The Storm Circle" has led to major luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, La Mer, and Piaget severing ties with her due to perceived cultural insensitivity and negative portrayal of China [2][4][5] Brand Impact - Jun Ji-hyun has built significant commercial value in the Chinese market, having been a brand ambassador for top luxury brands, including Piaget and La Mer, which have now removed her from their promotional materials [4] - The swift actions taken by brands to distance themselves from Jun Ji-hyun reflect the importance of maintaining a positive brand image in the Chinese market, which contributes significantly to global revenues [4][5] Cultural Sensitivity - The backlash against "The Storm Circle" highlights the critical need for cultural sensitivity in global media productions, as the portrayal of China in the series has been deemed offensive by Chinese audiences [3][5] - The incident underscores the broader implications of cultural, commercial, and political interactions in a globalized environment, where local sensitivities must be acknowledged by all stakeholders in the industry [5]

Group 1 - The article highlights the contrasting demographic challenges faced by East Asia and Europe, with East Asia experiencing a "population avalanche" due to declining birth rates, while Europe manages to maintain population balance through immigration policies [1][3][5] - East Asian countries like South Korea, Japan, and China are witnessing alarming birth rates, with South Korea having the lowest global fertility rate and predictions indicating a significant population decline in the coming decades [1][5] - In contrast, Europe has successfully utilized immigration to offset declining birth rates, with 6 million immigrants entering the EU in 2023, particularly benefiting countries like Germany and Spain [3][4] Group 2 - The article discusses the cultural challenges arising from immigration in Europe, including identity politics and social unrest, as seen in incidents like the riots in Paris and the rise of far-right movements in Germany [4][5] - It points out that East Asia's homogeneous societies face significant barriers to large-scale immigration, making it difficult to replicate Europe's immigration strategies [5][6] - The underlying issue is the clash between modern individualism and traditional family structures, which affects birth rates and societal stability in both regions [5][6] Group 3 - The article suggests that the demographic shifts may indicate a cyclical pattern in human civilization, where Europe historically managed population pressures through colonialism and now through immigration, while East Asia faces the consequences of its previous population advantages [6] - It emphasizes that while policies can influence birth rates, the fundamental challenge remains in reconciling modern values with demographic sustainability [6] - The conclusion stresses the importance of learning from Europe's immigration experiences to avoid cultural conflicts and to address the impending demographic crises in East Asia [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the failure of Marelli, a century-old automotive supplier, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. after being acquired by KKR for €5.8 billion (approximately ¥480 billion) in 2019, highlighting the challenges of mergers and acquisitions, particularly in integration and cultural alignment [2][3][10]. Group 1: Company Background - Marelli's history dates back to 1919, originally known for developing ignition magnetos, and later became a significant player in the automotive parts industry, with 170 factories and around 50,000 employees globally [5][6]. - KKR acquired Marelli through a two-step process, first purchasing a related company, Calsonic Kansei, for $4.5 billion, and then merging it with Marelli to create a larger automotive parts supplier [6][9]. Group 2: Reasons for Bankruptcy - The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Marelli's operations, leading to a significant decline in revenue and mounting debts, with total liabilities reaching approximately ¥1.2 trillion, marking one of Japan's largest bankruptcy cases [6][11]. - Rising global tariffs, particularly affecting Marelli's import-export business, were cited as a critical factor in the company's decision to seek bankruptcy protection [8][12]. Group 3: Integration Challenges - The merger faced significant integration issues due to cultural differences between the Japanese and Italian companies, leading to internal conflicts and operational inefficiencies [10][11]. - Disputes over procurement decisions and operational strategies resulted in lost contracts and further financial strain, undermining the anticipated synergies from the merger [10][11]. Group 4: Lessons from the Case - The case illustrates the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, emphasizing that successful integration is often more challenging than the acquisition itself, with a high failure rate in global M&A transactions [14][15]. - The article stresses the importance of thorough pre-acquisition planning and post-merger integration strategies to avoid pitfalls such as cultural clashes and operational misalignment [16][17].

Core Insights - The surge in Japan's tourism industry, particularly the increase in foreign visitors, has led to a rise in the popularity of private accommodations, such as minpaku (民宿) [1] - Many landlords, particularly those backed by Chinese capital, are significantly raising rents or using other means to force tenants out, aiming to convert properties into more profitable minpaku operations [2][8] Rent Increases and Tenant Reactions - In Itabashi, Tokyo, tenants received notices of rent hikes from 72,500 yen to 190,000 yen, a staggering increase of 2.5 times [3] - Tenants expressed anger and confusion over the sudden increases, with one long-term resident stating it felt like they were being forced to move [4] - Similar situations are reported in Osaka, where rents for a 3DK apartment rose from 90,000 yen to 180,000 yen, with some units reaching 350,000 yen [6] Background of the Minpaku Boom - The minpaku industry is thriving due to the resurgence of Japan's tourism post-pandemic, with visitor numbers rebounding sharply, especially from China [8] - In Osaka, properties that could rent for 60,000 to 100,000 yen monthly can earn 10,000 to 20,000 yen per night as minpaku, leading to significantly higher returns [10] Issues with Management and Regulations - Many new landlords, particularly those from China, are employing aggressive tactics to clear existing tenants, such as steep rent increases or creating inconveniences [11] - There are concerns about illegal minpaku operations, as many properties have not completed the necessary government registrations [13] Cultural and Community Impact - The influx of minpaku has led to cultural clashes, with local residents complaining about disruptive behaviors from tourists, such as littering and noise [14][15] - The transformation of residential areas into tourist hotspots is eroding community ties and the sense of belonging for long-term residents [15] Potential Solutions and Future Outlook - There is a need for a balanced approach that respects the rights of local residents while accommodating the growing minpaku market [17] - Encouraging responsible behavior from tourists and ensuring compliance from landlords could help mitigate the negative impacts on local communities [18]