Xiangyang Market Closed Down (Again)
About a month ago, I blogged (here) that Shanghai's Xiangyang Market, famous for its sales of counterfeit goods, would be closing in June. A few days later later there were reports (here) that the market had moved online and would be selling counterfeits over the internet. In a comment on the Asia Pundit blog, I predicted the Chinese government would close that site down in short order and that did in fact just occur. This Associated Press article (h/t to Asia Pundit) reports that the Shanghai government shut the Xiangyang online site down at the end of March.
Bottom Line: The Chinese government is making an effort to stem counterfeiting and it is sensitive to international opinion in this area. Something as obvious as an online Xiangyang Market was an obvious no-go, particularly with President Hu Jintao set to visit the United States in April.
Comments (4)
Read through and enter the discussion by using the form at the endmyrick - April 8, 2006 11:43 PM
The closure of the online XY market wasn't a surprise - but I expect the physical market won't be shuttered for long. The closure of the market will free up some prime real estate on Huai Hai Lu, but the vendors will show up elsewhere. The black economy is far too great an employment generator for a serious crackdown to be expected. There will be some cosmetic efforts with Hu's visit. I suspect the closure of the online XY market and other prominent venues was related to another event that merited some displays of vigilance.
G. - April 11, 2006 12:40 AM
For me the bottomline is different.
Yes, the Chinese government is sensitive (to a point and when convenient) to international opinion.
No, it's not a sign that it makes an effort to stem counterfeiting.
Myrick uses the right term for it, "cosmetic"
Jay - October 15, 2006 8:30 AM
As you can see at: http://peavine.blogspot.com/
the new Xiangyang has already opened.
China Law Blog - October 15, 2006 9:53 AM
Thanks for the update. I'm going to post on it, linking back to you.