[ender7]

This kind of uncertainty (will the government suddenly decide that my product is unworthy?) and lack of protection (copycat products will instantly abound) seems like it greatly discourages foreign investment in China. But...do they need it? China seems content for the moment to simply copy everything else the world does and create a China-only version of it. They have a large enough population that they don't really need anyone else.

Every time I think about what a great, untapped market China is, I'm reminded of what they did to World of Warcraft when it entered there:

http://news.mmosite.com/content/2009-07-29/20090729175936714...

[lobo_tuerto]

You said it, it's a huge untapped market, and if you want a piece of it you are going to abide by the rules imposed by the rule makers there. Just as in everywhere else.

[ender7]

That's a false equivalence, though. China's "rules" are much worse than most of the "everywhere else"s. Thus, they will continue to have trouble attracting foreign investment.

Which is, perhaps, exactly how they want it.

[yohui]

Though it would appear easier most "everywhere else" to voice dissent regarding "the rules". That and the prospect of redressing such grievances seem to be important distinctions.