Naturally, potential recruits to work in American operations in China have become concerned, if not scared. They believe they are being targeted or victimised by both sides. Such a chilling effect would percolate to affect the perception of tertiary students and researchers, whether of Asian or non-Asian descent. If the relationship between China and the US were perceived to be unfriendly, many American students and young professionals would be reluctant to consider acquiring experience in that part of the world. They would no longer consider such experience or knowledge as being useful for the advancement of their careers.
Business people fear becoming involved in an unpredictable trading or investment environment.
By training they are capable of making decisions based on assessments of financial and market risks. When they are confronted with political risks, they feel helpless. Unfortunately, in the international business environment, political uncertainty looms larger than other risks. Some cautious business enterprises avoid areas of high political risks like the plague. Often, even savvy international business people complain that the Chinese authorities' policies are like the moon - they look different on the first and the 15th day of the month.