From the Readers

Google alone will lose

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-03-24 07:48

Google alone will lose

Comment on "Who will lose if Google leaves" (March 19, China Daily)

I disagree with the writer that the secret of successful negotiation is compromise - in this case between the Chinese government and Google.

How can the government compromise with a foreign company no matter how big it is? China's sovereignty and its laws must be respected by everyone living and doing business in the country. There can be no compromise over such matters.

I also disagree with the writer's contention that everybody will lose if Google withdraws from China.

End users will find another search engine. Google's Chinese workers will lose their jobs, but they are sure to find other openings sooner or later. And the government will have one less troublesome company to deal with.

So, the only party that is likely to lose is Google. It will be embarrassing for it to withdraw now and an ignominy to come back later.

Maybe it will not consider a comeback. Life was fine in China even before Google was here and it will continue to be so even after it leaves.

Hsun Tze on China Daily website

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(China Daily 03/24/2010 page9)