State, power and mobile communication: a case study of China

Abstract

China’s telecommunications and information industry has seen unprecedented growth since the turn of the century, with the mobile telephony sector driving significant expansion. This article examines the Chinese government’s strategy for managing the complexities of socio-economic changes created by the widespread adoption of mobile telephony.The study found that the government’s adoption of subtler forms of power establishes a relational contract with Chinese telecommunications and information industry partners and citizenry as a foundation for implementing the strategy of controlled commodification. This contract acts to modify and clarify operational boundaries within private and public spheres in an attempt to manage often competing economic, social and political objectives.