Although politically-themed rather than linguistically-themed, I thought it appropriate to reference this article because it gives a vivid and up-to-date account of what is taking place among China's internet users. As more walls of censorship break down, more of the outside world will spill in, and online shopping and purchasing will increase. Having your organization's website available in Chinese could soon become an absolute must.

With more than 111 million people connected to the Web, China ranks second to the United States.

Although just a fraction of all Chinese go online -- and most who do play games, download music or gossip with friends -- widespread Internet use in the nation's largest cities and among the educated is changing the way Chinese learn about the world and weakening the Communist Party's monopoly on the media. Studies show China's Internet users spend more time online than they do with television and newspapers, and they are increasingly turning to the Web for news instead of traditional state outlets.

Tags: China | Chinese | internet