According to some independent observers, the Chinese authorities revealed themselves, showing a real attitude towards the Alibaba company.
Most local entrepreneurs, especially from the technological sphere, believed that their compliance with the law could save them from the current regime. However, it was a mistake.
The persecution of Jack Ma, the co-founder of Alibaba and one of the country’s richest people, shocked other businessmen, but unveiled the real face of the local authorities. They attacked Jack Ma after he made some comments about the financial policy conducted by the regulator. Later, China’s government made it clear that it might nationalize any business without any significant reason. In this case, Beijing will hardly become the world’s technological leader. Moreover, this situation may become a blow to the country’s economy. Most entrepreneurs have already expressed their disapproval of such actions. One businessman completely gave up public speaking and decided to continue his robotics project outside the country.
A manager of one start-up said that he “no longer aspires to Alibaba-size success, fearing the risk of unwanted government attention”.
"The Jack Ma incident shows that nobody is safe," one entrepreneur said.
