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.