"You steal, you cheat," Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary slams China's business culture

When Shark Tank's Kevin O’Leary speaks, people listen — especially when he’s calling out an entire business culture. The Shark Tank star recently made headlines by slamming China’s approach to intellectual property, accusing the country of encouraging theft and dishonesty in business.

“Maybe when they’re young they’re taught that this is completely fair to do this. You steal, you cheat, it’s part of the psyche of how you build your economy,”

O'Leary said.

And he didn't hold back. According to him, it doesn't matter if a company spent millions on R&D; in China,

“they simply don’t give a sh*t.”

O’Leary warned that unless things change, the global business community could be headed toward major problems.

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Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary demands a level playing field

Kevin O'Leary, well known for his straight-shooting attitude on Shark Tank, pointed out how the uneven playing field is hurting international business.

“Everybody wants to do business with China. I want to do business in China,”

he said. But the basic request he has is simple:

"Give me a level playing field. Let me use their courts to litigate, trade disputes and resolve just like they use ours. But no you can’t [do that]."

O'Leary’s frustration isn't just about fairness; it’s about practicality. Without a proper way to resolve disputes, companies are left vulnerable. As he explained, Chinese companies can flood global markets with cheaper copies, undercutting original products by "30 to 40%" — and get away with it. His point is clear: for a system to work, it has to be fair on both sides. And right now, in his eyes, it’s not. It's a sentiment that many Shark Tank fans and business owners alike might recognize.

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The impact of stolen IP on global markets

O'Leary didn’t sugarcoat the damage being done. Companies that invest heavily in research and innovation are finding their work stolen and resold at massive discounts.

“It doesn’t matter if it was your idea or that you spent millions of dollars in R&D to create it,”

he said. The copied products flood markets without consequences, putting honest businesses at a disadvantage.

For those tuning in to Shark Tank for inspiration on building businesses, this reality check from O'Leary is eye-opening. If intellectual property isn't protected, the risk of losing an investment skyrockets. And according to him, it’s not sustainable. China’s approach might work in the short term, but "they can’t sustain that forever either." The risks are mounting for everyone involved.

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Shark Tank's O'Leary highlights shadow shares loophole

The problems O'Leary sees aren't limited to IP theft. He also called out a financial loophole that he says has been exploited for too long. According to him, Chinese companies can list shares in the U.S. that aren’t real shares. They’re shadow shares.

These shadow shares don't comply with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), which American companies must follow. The Shark Tank star highlighted that a law was supposed to force compliance within three years, thanks to efforts from Senator Rick Scott. But enforcement stalled under previous SEC leadership. Now, O'Leary is hopeful, noting that there's a new sheriff in town, Paul Atkins, and he has promised to clean things up.

For investors everywhere, the idea of companies operating without real transparency is a major red flag. It puts not just businesses but the broader market at risk.

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Kevin O'Leary's message to Shark Tank viewers

Kevin O'Leary’s no-nonsense style on Shark Tank has made him famous, and his latest comments show why. He’s not just focused on individual deals; he’s thinking about the bigger picture.

“All I’m asking for, and I don't think I'm being unrealistic in this request, is give me a level playing field,”

he emphasized.

For entrepreneurs watching Shark Tank, the takeaway is clear: innovation matters, but so does protection. If big players aren’t playing fair, it affects everyone trying to build something new. O’Leary’s call for reform is about making sure that hard work and creativity still pay off — no matter where you’re doing business.

Whether you agree with him or not, one thing’s for sure: O'Leary’s words have sparked a conversation that’s not going away anytime soon.