TFTC: A Bitcoin Podcast #659: Why America Gets China Wrong with Peter Alexander
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Sep 10, 2025 Peter Alexander, an American consultant with 30 years of experience in China, shares his insights into the common misunderstandings Americans have about Chinese culture and strategy. He highlights how U.S. supply chain dependencies weaken negotiation leverage. The discussion touches on the complexities of the yuan and renminbi, the importance of understanding China’s historical context for business success, and the potential for collaboration between the U.S. and China amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
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Thirty Years In China
- Peter moved to China intending a short stay but became a consultant and lived there 30 years.
- He set up Zeben Advisors in 2004 to help Western firms navigate China.
Civilization Not Nation-State
- China functions more like a millennia-old civilization than a modern nation-state, shaping its strategies and relationships.
- Western actors misread Chinese motives when they apply only a 20th-century nation-state lens.
Protect Partnerships Proactively
- When partnering with Chinese firms, assume relationships end when China no longer needs you.
- Protect IP and plan exits because perception of value, not reality, drives Chinese partner decisions.
