Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2011, East Asian Languages and Literatures

The opening of China's domestic market in the late 1980's and the internationalization and rapid development of its market not only provided new technological innovations and foreign capital, but also opened the market to foreign competition. This competitive rivalry often resulted in the purchase, loss of controlling shares and/or the eventual disappearance of many well-known Chinese domestic brands. China's admission to the World Trade Organization further exposed the country's internal market to intense competition from world-class international brands. Increased competition and strict international standards has forced China to examine its own international competitive position, as well as strengthen the international competitiveness of domestic brands. In recent years, numerous quality issues with Chinese- made products has attracted the attention of global consumers, and has negatively influenced international consumer opinion towards “Made in China.” China can no longer passively remain at the lowest end of the Value Chain, as the “World's Low-Cost Factory”, but rather must encourage and promote the transformation of private enterprises from low-cost Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM), to the producers of competitive brands with highly recognized quality standards.

Committee: Jianqi Wang Dr. (Advisor); Galal Walker Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Asian Studies