The World's Most Respected Companies: Where are the Chinese?

BySeth Walters:Recently, the Japanese government undertook the purchase of a group of small islands from a private Japanese landowner. The Chinese call these islands Diaoyu and the Japanese call them Senkaku,. This has launched an immense firestorm of riots and protests in China, with the Chinese government pleading for people to be calm, aggressively stationing military around the islands, and discussing potential economic sanctions on Japan.

Of all US companies that have captured and captivated Chinese minds, two stand out: (NASDAQ:AAPL) and McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD).?? has been the symbol of exceptional branding and radical innovation???with the company's founder considered the model entrepreneur China never had. McDonald's has been the symbol of a business model China has yet to develop. But the ...

By Benjamin Goldman:Japanese automotive companies have struggled over the past few years as they have had to survive a down Japanese economy.

Research Recap submits: Moody’s says that this month’s triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis in Japan will not result in wholesale rating changes for Japanese automakers, but its aftermath will weaken the issuers’ operations and financial performance at least through the first half of fiscal-year 2011, ending next March.

Tom Lydon submits: Many companies, including Yum Brands (NYSE: YUM), are seeking profit from China, as the growth is robust and consumerism is alive and well. Chinese exchange traded funds and shares will be looking at profit, as well, if the trend continues.

ByRichard Cox:Stock markets in Asia are seeing some added volatility as we start the week on Monday as market sentiment continues to be influenced by the stronger US dollar, which is now seen trading at a 4-1/2-year peak against the yen. These moves in the USD/JPY are coming as a result of significant changes in central bank policy from the bank of Japan and strengthening economic data in the US.

It is becoming increasingly evident that Japan is attempting to use monetary policy to paper over the cracks of imploding foreign policy decisions. The 'storm in a teacup' that has brought China and Japan into fierce rhetorical battles over the Senkaku (or Diaoyu) Islands is having far more deep-seated impacts on the people of the two nations - and implicitly their buying habits. Unfortunately for the embattled Japanese - they are the ones in need far more than vice versa.

By George Liu: (click to enlarge)