> they really are keen on annoying investors aren't they. i wonder for how long tencent and the other conglomerates will obey these orders
They will obey as long as the state has power, which will be for the far foreseeable future.
The Chinese government has been smart enhance its power by keeping its domestic businesses in a strictly subordinate position and creating an environment were foreign businesses cooperate because dependence is the best business decision (e.g. Apple has no "plan B," it's China all the way for them).
And it might work out for them, especially if foreign nations continue to complacently indulge in free market Kool-Aid.
They will obey as long as the state has power, which will be for the far foreseeable future.
The Chinese government has been smart enhance its power by keeping its domestic businesses in a strictly subordinate position and creating an environment were foreign businesses cooperate because dependence is the best business decision (e.g. Apple has no "plan B," it's China all the way for them).
And it might work out for them, especially if foreign nations continue to complacently indulge in free market Kool-Aid.