‘I’m Smart as Jews’ Boasts Chinese Tycoon Who Hopes To Buy New York Times

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
A Chinese businessman who is determined to buy an American newspaper said he is just as smart as the Jews who own some of those newspapers.
Chen Guangbiao, chairman of Jiangsu Huangpu Recycling Resources, who made his fortune in recycling construction materials in China, announced late last month that he would travel to New York to meet with shareholders of the New York Times in order to acquire the newspaper. His premature announcement led to the cancellation of the Jan. 5 meeting, according to Forbes.
Earlier this week, Chen said in an interview with Sinovision, a New York-based Chinese television station, that he was investigating whether The Wall Street Journal is for sale.
He said in the interview, according to the South China Morning Post, that he was aware that many American newspapers are owned by Jews, and that his IQ, or intelligence quotient, and EQ, or emotional quotient, are “equally competent” as those Jewish owners.
He also added that he is “very good at working with Jews,” according to the Post.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
