Push factor in Google's pullout threat

• Source: Global Times
• [01:21 January 19 2010]
• Comments

Hailed by the US defense secretary Robert Gates as "huge strategic assets," networking media and cyber technology have been effective and crucial in the doctrine of "smart power." A "cyber commander" has even been appointed for network defense and online security since President Barack Obama assumed office a year ago.

These developments are a challenge to China, as it is to any nation.

As much as the US, China needs the strength and power of technology. This needs to be developed through innovation as well as institutional instruments such as Baidu.

Without their presence and popularity, Google would have enjoyed a much wider base in China. And the vacuum in the event of its possible exit would be much greater.

It is now clear that companies like Google are not mere enterprises. They have a role in security, power play, international politics and diplomacy.

It is essential that China comes to terms with this aspect of Google's threat to exit and helps boost the reach, access, innovative potential, techno-logical prospects and cyber power of domestic companies.

On China's journey toward becoming a major global player, Google's politics has exposed areas of Chinese weakness.

Google may go or stay, but these areas of weakness cannot be allowed to remain. The risks arising out of this have security, diplomatic and political ramifications that cannot be ignored.

The technological uncertainties need to be minimized, basis for innovation strengthened, competitive edge of homegrown Internet companies sharpened, and all these done as the priority in China's national interest.