Shaun Rein

Shaun Rein is one of the most direct and thought provoking voices on China and its role in the global economy today.

As the Founder and Managing Director of the China Market Research Group, which he launched in Shanghai in 2005, Rein has spent nearly three decades on the ground studying how China really works. He advises multinational companies, investors, and governments on how to grow, compete, and make decisions in an increasingly complex market.

In his latest book, The Split, Rein argues that the world is no longer coming together. Instead, it is dividing into two competing spheres led by the United States and China. This divide is not theoretical. It is already shaping trade, technology, and geopolitics. It is also forcing companies and countries to rethink where they stand.

At the core of his thinking is a clear comparison. The US prioritises growth and wealth creation, often driven by capital and shareholder returns. China, despite its flaws, places greater emphasis on stability and improving outcomes for the majority. This difference, he argues, explains much of the tension between the two systems.

Therefore, Rein focuses on the real forces driving change. He speaks about supply chains being restructured. He examines how inequality and political influence are shaping Western economies. He explains why China is investing heavily in self reliance, especially in areas like semiconductors and critical resources.

At the same time, he offers a grounded view of risk. Shaun Rein believes conflict is not inevitable. However, he warns that misunderstanding, political incentives, and economic rivalry are pushing both sides further apart. And the consequences will affect every industry and market.