China's Model for a Censored Internet

http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0922/p01s02-woap.html

Chinese control on the Internet has been a much-discussed issue. China definitely has a different approach to the Internet boom, than western countries, especially the United States. We can see from this article that the preference to development comes first--the Internet can provide business and power, but the perceived danger to possible democratic development against the government is just as important as a political objective in Internet development.

Jack Ma's comment on following the law and his businss approach to the use of the Internet is especially important in understanding the role of law compliance in China. When the law is favorable to business development, the incentive to follow the law is strong. What if the law clamps down on business development? Is Jack Ma going to say "I follow the rules?"