The Bridge to China How to get a business into China
Mar 31, 2026
David J. Carlson, U.S. Marine veteran and CEO of Blue Diamond Artisan Strategies, helps Western firms navigate China and the Asia–Pacific. He discusses what a Trump visit to Beijing might aim for. He explains building trust through humility, on-the-ground presence, WeChat and business card etiquette. He highlights surprising Chinese cities and practical, relationship-driven entry tactics.
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First Trip In 2012 Opened Eyes To Hidden Chinese Cities
- Carlson's first China trip in 2012 revealed vast, lesser-known cities bigger than most U.S. metros.
- That experience convinced him a boutique, relationship-driven firm was needed to bridge Western services into China's diverse regional markets.
Don't Pull Out Over Initial Regulatory Scares
- Avoid overreacting to regulatory scares in China; investigate before exiting.
- Carlson recounts persuading an American company to pause and do due diligence until local issues smoothed out.
Use Study Programs To Jumpstart China Experience
- Immerse yourself via study-abroad or a master's in China to build real language and cultural fluency.
- Carlson says formal programs (e.g., Shanghai initiatives) are practical routes for college-age entrants.