Perhaps Google finally came to the conclusion that the Chinese government has its thumb on the scales. It doesn't matter how much potential the Chinese market has, if only Chinese companies are going to be allowed to succeed.<p>The hacking probably isn't significant in itself, except to demonstrate that Google is only permitted to operate in China to facilitate industrial espionage.<p>It's an open question whether any foreign companies can succeed in China over the long run. It will not be long before Chinese companies have absorbed their technology and skills, and no longer need them.