If Google Really Leaves China

Google will withdraw from the Chinese market, which, according to Chinese people, is just an issue of economics or technology and of constitutionality in the age of the internet. As countries’ strength and sophisticated technology increase day by day, creating inseparable links, questions of constitutionality have been skirted.

The people of the internet era demand regulation and the protection of law. As a result, there is a need for legal protection that follows the fundamental spirit of the constitution when dealing with the dissemination of information. These laws should recognize that both state power and civil rights have doubled. However, laws have never touched on such fundamental concerns before. A basic prerequisite for a country guided by the rule of law is that boundaries of state power are clearly spelled out. If the boundaries of state power and civil rights are not clarified, the country will sooner or later turn into something unrecognizable and will finally sink into a lawless, godless state.

The internet is both a virtual space and a projection of actual society. At the same time that technology progresses and matures, other “double-edged sword” effects are increasingly brought to the forefront. While China’s technological elites have brought prosperity and dignity to the country, the use of technology may be threatening the environment in which the Chinese people exist. Countrywide in China, people are overwhelmed and terrified by rules and regulations. The manner in which the government operates makes it even more difficult for people to completely understand what is going on. This undoubtedly will make people feel a greater sense of vulnerability and fear. “2013” is really not just a novel about a fictitious society; it could be a completely realistic transformation of society. This golden age in China demonstrates to people its enormity and prosperity, illustrating that it is not narrow-minded and destitute.

Google’s existence in China is not only a symbol of the health of China’s internet market, but also a symbol of the openness and tolerance of the Chinese government. It is an embodiment of China’s movement toward maturation and self-confidence. “Regardless of whether the waves of the wind and water hit, it is better to endure them than to walk the world with leisure and a false sense of confidence.” This proverb refers to being free, loose and happy under a closed-off government. Today, conversely, in its era of openness, China must create and utilize other kinds of boundaries and limits in facing this brilliant and varied world. Its hesitance to develop is difficult to escape, and China’s “two steps forward, three steps back” way of blocking or wiping out development will never work. We need a focus on development, but one cannot set this up behind closed doors. We can allow Google to avoid problems by running away from them, but the curiosity in the hearts of the people always prevails. In the age of the internet, how China’s outside challengers (like Google) think defies all of the government’s unwavering edicts, causing people additional ineffable anxiety. Are the regulations enacted by the governments still reasonable? Google has left — now what?

Using an open mind to survey the world, China already has a strong foothold in capital. However, the information era is still unfolding on a long, windy, bumpy road. We can only say that this is China. In regards to Google leaving China, people need to make a fundamental decision within their hearts. While the internet and technology have infiltrated and encompassed our lives, the inseparable closeness of state power and advanced technology makes up the basic picture of our lives today. If the Green Dam censorship software can shift at any time to a “Green Law” reinforced with criminal penalties, Google really must leave China.

The youth of China, the loveliness of China, the dreams of China, the internet age of China! Born and raised in Singapore, we tread upon this land with our two legs, for the time being, toting an optimistic, simple-minded attitude and unfettered imagination about the future. However, the ups and downs of the stock market, the current difficult political situation, the treacherous rivers and lakes: The heart always conceals these private worries. In our ears, this always reverberates: Our greatest fear is fear itself! Now, if Google leaves, what do we have left? Could it be that all we have left is ourselves?