To see how China operates in the world, take a look at the return of the once-English MG automobile to Europe. The MG brand, now under Chinese ownership, dates from 1924. The initials are said to stand for Morris Garages. Entrepreneur William Morris was the Henry Ford of England; TheMORE HERE

SMITHFIELD, Va. – Yet another bit of appalling news from the world of conglomerate brands. This morning, The Washington Post reported that the now-Chinese-owned Smithfield Foods has stopped making hams in Smithfield. Of course, if you make ham in the most famous ham capital in the world, and you makeMORE HERE

BEIJING – Do the Chinese understand brands better than the U.S.? In some ways, yes. The Chinese interest in American brands, it is hoped, will help preserve a few. But one good thing; it is China that helped save Buick. The success of General Motors’ Buick in China was soMORE HERE

While most consider the MG defunct, Chinese automakers have done the impossible and brought the English cars back. And on top of that, they’ve also brought new life to that other former British Leyland brand, Rover. It’s a reminder to Detroit that there might be unlocked value (perhaps first overseas)MORE HERE