Editor’s note for Monday, December 6, 2021
A note for Access newsletter readers from Jeremy Goldkorn. Today: Ray Dalio and Elon Musk take different approaches to the same problem of trying to please both Beijing and Washington at once.
Ray Dalio and Elon Musk have made their money in very different ways, but they both share something in common right now: They sell to two different markets, in China and the United States, that require very different kinds of messaging. This means the constant risk of being in uncomfortable situations because of things they have said.
Ray Dalio, a son of Manhattan, is quite sensitive to how he is talked about, and so he issues explanations of his intent. See, for example, this Reuters story: Bridgewater’s Dalio clarifies his recent comments on China. Whereas Elon Musk, a son of Johannesburg โ my hometown โ has thicker skin, and does not actually seem to care what anyone says. See, for example, this Wall Street Journal story: Elon Musk needs China. China needs him. The relationship is complicated.
But neither of them seem really free to speak their minds, despite their outsize fortunes and celebrity.
Event: Masculinity and Asian-American representation beyond Shang-Chi, a panel discussion on December 15.
Looking for funding for a social or philanthropic initiative addressing climate and the environment and connected to the U.S. and China? The China Institute-Serica U.S.-China Next-Gen Leaders Circle is awarding grants of up to $10,000 for suitable projects: Email USChinaNGLC@gmail.com for more information and to receive the application form.
Happy holidays!
Whatever youโre celebrating today and over the next couple of months, all of us at The China Project wish you a happy and prosperous 2022!
Our word of the day is diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics (ๅคไบคๆตๅถๅไบฌๅฌๅฅฅ wร ijiฤo dวzhรฌ bฤijฤซng dลng ร o).
โJeremy Goldkorn, Editor-in-Chief
