Chinese Wall.

Unsurprising to anyone who's dealt with China before: the nation is tightening its control over online music and game industries.

From here on out:

1. Online and mobile music distributors must obtain government approval and license for their companies to operate in China.

2. Online and mobile game distributors must obtain approval for all imported titles and file monthly reports that they have not added forbidden content.

The "China problem" is one every media industry has to face sooner or later. 443 million+ mobile subscribers make too juicy a prize to ignore, but Beijing's culture clashes vigorously with most cultures from the West. A simple "Made in Taiwan" joke or a reference to the mere existence of Islam could get you banned in the P.R.C.

Being banned doesn't always mean content can't reach an audience-- the Chinese piracy "market" is booming. But through official business channels? As Google and the makers of handsets can tell you, one does business with China on China's terms.

This hurts. It hurts those of us who are in media to share ideas to be told that the ideas we can share will be regulated. But it is one of the cold, hard facts of making art in a global marketplace. I know native Chinese, and I would not deny them the pleasure of games or music just because I don't agree with their government. We creatives can only create what beauty we can in this world, and hope that the act helps bring people closer, spreads understanding and helps to wear walls away.