Honestly with Bari Weiss Vanished by China: One Couple’s Story
Dec 1, 2021
Desmond Shum, a Chinese entrepreneur and author of Red Roulette, shares his harrowing journey from riches to rags after his ex-wife Whitney vanished under mysterious circumstances tied to the Chinese Communist Party. He reflects on the culture of fear and disappearances in China, drawing parallels to other high-profile cases like Peng Shuai. Shum delves into the intertwining of business and politics, revealing how Western corporations navigate China's shifting dynamics, all while grappling with the moral implications of doing business in a repressive regime.
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Meeting Jack Ma
- Shum met Jack Ma in 1998 when Ma was seeking funding for Alibaba.
- Ma was confident, even refusing to provide a business plan.
The Importance of Political Connections
- In China, connecting with political power is crucial for any business, big or small.
- The "red aristocracy" enjoys exclusive privileges like special food supplies and healthcare.
Fallout from the New York Times Exposé
- A 2012 New York Times exposé revealed the Wen family's wealth, impacting Shum's business and marriage.
- Shum believes the exposé resulted from political infighting, not journalistic investigation.
