I just read of allegations that the China hacked into the computers of two US Congressmen – perhaps to find information on the issues of Chinese dissidents. Typical Chinese conduct.

The government of China in general creeps me out. Sadly, the government of China has many LARGE US companies over a barrel. US companies have invested so heavily in China that complaining about them makes US companies very uncomfortable – and these firms invariably side with China. Even with evidence that speaks of a regime which does unspeakable things to its own people.

Yahoo’s business partner in China is a perfect example of this pattern of behavior. Yahoo’s business partner in China provided the names of bloggers to the Chinese government that their government deemed subversive. To watch Jerry Yang, Chairman of Yahoo, testify about his company’s conduct in the situation was appalling. Tom Lantos, the late US Congressman chairing the committee hearing at which Yang testified, castigated Yahoo for its conduct and for providing false information about its conduct to the US Congress about the matter at hand.

Some companies outright apologized to the Chinese for the negative press coverage they received in the US following the recall of various products, some of which killed many US cats and dogs.

We need to be more watchful of how China engages us – and finally take some action against them if necessary. But to let things continue as is seems ludicrous.