China loves exhibitions.
It gives the masses a chance to see what is, and perhaps more importantly, what may be. Although the bi-annual China International Auto Show in Beijing held in July was completely overshadowed by President Clinton's visit, it nevertheless drew tens of thousands of visitors, who are also attracted by tall Chinese women sprawled across motor vehicles. It also gave China a chance to bring in more visitors and continue hyping its potential as a market, even though the likelihood of thousands of people suddenly becoming rich enough to import cars next year seems quite small. A general rule of thumb is to expect more show than substance. In some ways, the same is true of computer exhibitions in China.