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.

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.

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

If China someday gains a more fair, just, and accountable system of government, it will be due to the hard work and efforts of the Chinese people, not due to the inexorable workings of any particular technology.

One day, people in China may be able to see the records of conversations between multinational tech companies and the Chinese authorities.