Unfortunately, faced with a choice between protecting the long term interests and human rights of their customers and complying with laws implemented by unelected power holders, technology firms like Microsoft, Yahoo, and Google seem to have embraced the Ah Q spirit.

But, as the economy slows, the regime s legitimacy is increasingly being questioned, which implies that neo Maoism may yet make a comeback. Indeed, it is a stance that resonates deeply with the egalitarian tradition of the People Liberation Army (PLA), as well as with its institutional interests, particularly those in the Shenyang District.