Even today, with Chinese children learning English from primary school onwards, it's a barrier that can be almost completely impenetrable at times.

CNN: 5 top tips for China first-timers

If we are to have empathy for the Chinese, that should be our primary concern when thinking about Foxconn and Apple.

FORBES: Mike Daisey and Empathy

Last month, Yao launched the Hope Primary Schools Basketball Season to teach basketball skills to Chinese youth in the hopes of improving their self-confidence and sportsmanship.

FORBES: Yao Ming's Latest Venture: China's Big Man Turns To Conservation

Eighteen Chinese children missing after a landslide buried their primary school have died, officials have confirmed.

BBC: China landslide: All 18 children killed

While Lenovo's primary social recruiting tool is LinkedIn, Ms. Wang said she also uses Tianji, a Chinese-language professional social networking site that is similar to LinkedIn.

WSJ: In China, Recruiting Gets Social