Topic: news 5 Tips for Succeeding in China’s Changing Job Market

I can see one main advantage of coming to China.
Let me draw a parallel. In the late 80s and early 90s there was a huge growth in business between Japan and the west of the US. Specifically in the San Francisco Bay Area. This was outward investment by Japanese. Most Japanese only speak one language. Workers who spoke Japanese, even if they were not great at their job, saw rapid advancement.

Now China is moving into a time where outward investment is the pattern, inward investment has plateaued. Although there are many English-Mandarin speaking Chinese, they are not all living overseas. Not all Chinese businessmen will come with their entourage, certainly not when the business settles down. There will IMHO be opportunities for non-Chinese Mandarin speakers in their home countries.

Everyone laughed at Japanese cars, and the idea that they would one day dominate the world market and open factories in other theatres. 20 years later, they had done it, and in Hi Tech. We laughed at the Korean Cars and hi tech, 15 years later... Currently people are laughing at the idea of Chinese cars and hi tech.

Being able to speak Mandarin, and having an appreciation of Chinese business culture (really only garnered from working here), could be valuable.
And even if it isn't the experience is enriching our lives, even if we bitch about it now.

But as @sadelux points out. Getting your mandarin up to the standard to do business is no small feat.