I am writing this article from my room in the Beijing Hotel which overlooks the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square and a host of insipid office buildings that surround the government district; all that lies within this vista is in the service of the People's Republic of China (PRC).  The morning sky is a dove gray, Chairman Mao's favorite color as replicated in his official uniform.  Mao's likeness gazes south across the square from the huge portrait over the massive gate to the ceremonial center of China and the ancient, historically preserved Forbidden City.  They call this place "the former center of the world."  Perhaps someday China may once again lay claim to such an illustrious title.

With a population of 1.3 billion people, China is the mother of all markets.  In modern China, everything is gobbled up, consumed in huge quantities 24 hours a day.  World markets wobble under the upward spiral of material costs and the price squeeze bulldozed by this economic powerhouse. 

Today, complex issues intertwine to deter development of world business in China. Politics, economics, social development and ideology, coupled with bureaucratic interference, distrust of foreigners, and lack of legal protections, have slowed the march to capitalism. These obstacles create great tribulations for international enterprises operating in China.  Franchising has been investing in China for years.  Yet, only a few global franchise brands are flourishing as they relentlessly learn to absorb elements of Chinese culture.