A Reuters report on a Chinese soldier-turned-businessman depicts an emerging market of privately-owned security companies serving the country's elite.
Chen Yongqing, who runs China's first training academy of former soldiers and others as bodyguards, estimates that his company's annual revenues will reach 100 million yuan ($16.5 million) within the next five years. He charges 500,000 yuan ($82,400) a year for each personal protector.
Training at Chen's company, Tianjiao, is no joke. The 28 days of training in reconnaissance, anti-terrorism training, martial arts, and business etiquette involve some extreme situations. (Afterwards, the best trainee is offered a chance to attend further study at the International Security Academy in Israel.)