From its base in Qingdao, white-goods manufacturer Haier has become a hugely successful Chinese multinational, hawking fridges, microwaves and washing machines from Auckland to Accra.

FORBES: Haier Group Cofounder Yang Mianmian Steps Down

However, the big test for Haier's future will be its ability to detach itself from the local government of Qingdao and Shandong province.

ECONOMIST: China and the chaebol | The