My Chinese is still pretty basic. Yes, learning some conversational Chinese and a few hundred Chinese characters pretty quickly, is required, if only to keep sane. But, my Chinese communication skill wasn’t/isn’t/hasn’t been a critical key success factor for business success. More important has been, utilizing employees well and having the sense to recognize and call “bullshit” when needed. Like, if a process seems illogical from a good business practices or efficiency point of view. And someone is telling you something that seems wrong. It’s probably wrong, and they don’t know what they are talking about. And, learning quick, most of what you see here in China, is not as it appears on the surface. Underneath, it’s probably a rats nest. Being a good detective is required to survive.

To think about going to China, you're going to have to think about how to LEAVE china first

"once the news goes out that you will be leaving China, alleged creditors will come out of the woodwork. The tax authorities will come up with taxes that you owe. Your landlord will explain why you owe it way more than you thought you did. Your suppliers will send you bills for items they never actually gave you. Your employees will demand all sorts of severance."

https://www.chinalawblog.com/2018/09/how-to-terminate-your-c...