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Since Google publicly announced its high-profile intention to exit the Chinese market, the media has become the main battlefield - from official to civilian sources, opinions have been swirling. After I posted an article on QQ Blog titled "China Really Does Not Need Google," which was recommended by Google and sparked much discussion, I chose to remain a detached observer. After the holidays, as expected, the media's public opinion began to align in one direction. This is almost identical to last year’s Sanlu and Baidu incidents, where eventually everything became about protecting national brands. This time, without exception, it turned into an issue of Google needing to comply with the laws of the country in which it operates.
But I would like to humbly ask: Is the focus of this Google withdrawal controversy that Google does not comply with Chinese law?
The current trend in public opinion has painted Google as a pawn and puppet of the US government, a tool for hostile forces to erode us culturally, and a robber who can act arbitrarily due to its wealth and power. Why is there such demonization of Google? These arguments easily remind one of the period before the reform and opening-up, or the old saying, "If you want to put someone down, finding an excuse is never hard."
Indeed, Google has its own set of values, which may not necessarily align with China’s national conditions. However, please note what era we are in – an era that respects others and tolerates different ideas. It is neither a feudal society nor the Cultural Revolution era, where thoughts need to be unified, or directly said, where ignorance is enforced. China has long entered an era of openness and inclusiveness. Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been the success of reform and opening-up, nor the rise of China. So, regarding Google’s differing values, do we really need to be so intolerant? Moreover, Google's values differ only somewhat from ours, far from reaching the level of last year's Baidu, which obliterated even the minimum social morality and acted as an accomplice. Why can Baidu’s Li Yanhong appear frequently on the Spring Festival Gala after paying assistance fees, while no media exposes the issues Baidu once did and continues to do, such as inadequate review of results or knowingly acting improperly? Instead, the media unanimously sings praises of Baidu’s national spirit and innovation. How can the media justify such blatant falsehoods? Where is the minimal professional ethics of the media?
Google indeed has done some things incorrectly, which is certain. It should respect the regulations and laws of China, such as filtering searches for anti-government or independence-related content. But let me ask, when have we ever been able to search for sensitive political results on Google? From where does the claim of disrespecting Chinese law come? Can those making these claims first explain clearly instead of talking nonsense?
Additionally, a few days ago, the media extensively reported that Google had formed a cooperative relationship with the FBI, claiming that a Google used by the U.S. government poses a danger to China. Reading these arguments is truly laughable. Google is a company registered in the U.S., and if a U.S. government agency requests assistance, can it refuse? Aren't we saying that Google should respect the laws of the country in which it operates? As an American enterprise assisting the U.S. government, isn't that a form of respect? Think about it from another perspective: If our National Security Bureau needs assistance from Baidu, can Baidu refuse? If Baidu assists the Chinese government, shouldn't the U.S. condemn it, or even block it?
Let me clarify: I am not a so-called fan of Google, nor has any representative of Google given me writing fees. I started using Baidu first. However, some of the actions taken by certain companies and government departments to achieve their goals have reached a very extreme level. In my view, this is absolutely not something a great nation on the rise or a world-class company should do.
I believe discerning people can see through the tricks. That's all I have to say.
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