GOOGLE AND CHINA

GOOGLE has left it desperately late to find a way of continuing to service its subscribers in China without agreeing to Chinese censorship of its content. Three months ago, when Beijing first made it clear that an uncensored service was unacceptable, Google redirected its content to Hong Kong from where many Chinese users could access it. However, this variation, although apparently very popular, has also fallen foul of the Chinese government which has threatened early action against it. Google's response has been to open a “landing page” with a link to the Hong Kong site - thus requiring the potential user of the unfiltered service to make a conscious decision of wanting access to it rather than receiving it automatically. It also enables Google to claim that it has not bowed to pressure to censor its content - a principle which it claims is fundamental to its global activities. Whether this sleight of hand will satisfy the Chinese authorities must be open to doubt although many friends of China will hope that this or some compromise can be found.

Google is the second largest internet operator in China and the wealth of international information it offers could play a major role in the peaceful development of the Chinese economy and society. At the same time, the monumental task which the Chinese government has in moving the country forward on a manageable timetable cannot be overlooked.