There is clearly a constituency that appreciates the message that Google is sending, that it finds the Chinese government's attitude to the Internet and censorship unacceptable.

Like it or not, Google and the Chinese government are stuck in a tense, long-term relationship, and can look forward to more high-stakes shadow-boxing in the netherworld of the world's most elaborate system of censorship.

The Chinese government clearly sees Internet and mobile innovation as a major driver of its global economic competitiveness going forward.

Whatever Tencent can see, the Chinese government can see.

The Chinese government sometimes shuts down the Internet and mobile services in specific areas where unrest occurs.

The Chinese government clearly does pay attention to public opinion expressed on the Internet - the extent to which they choose to adapt their practices based on it, or ignore it, seems to vary.