Asterix wrote:
The Chinese are masters of using the slightest perceived insult as leverage. At some point they will have to grow out of that. By that time though I suspect they will have taken over most of the world.
They don’t have to grow out of it. They aren’t w governance system that leads on human rights and freedom of speech. And their technology policies reflect that. Whether it’s the great internet wall that allows them to filter western content and protect Chinese companies from competition; or its the extensive use of surveillance systems like video and biometrics in conjunction with AI, this is a system that is able to be Big Brother.
And now they’re saying to Western corporations (including sports clubs and leagues) who are chasing growth that if you want access to a fifth of the world’s people, these are the rules. It’s a real test for capitalism, because beyond real innovation that steals share from competitors, China and India are the big prize for top line growth.
Hopefully, the Premier League doesn’t do anything. These actions shouldn’t hurt the current contract. Maybe continued animosity suppressed future contract values, but I’m sure the league can find a way around it.
