So here we go, since November the 20^th 2009, users of Opera Mini in mainland China are receiving this message when trying to use their favorite browser:

中国用户请访问mini.opera.com, 立刻升级至Opera Mini中国版，更快更稳定

For better browsing experience, please upgrade to Opera Mini China version on mini.opera.com.

This screenshot was taken on my Blackberry, with Opera Mini 5 beta, international version. I’m accessing the local network with China Mobile, from China. I’ll let you appreciate the accuracy of the URL: “/error/blocked_country/china.html”.

Of course, that pisses me off for different reasons:

1. I just want to use the software I choose;
2. Opera is not clear about where they’re sending their users: they’re clearly showing an URL that redirects or links to a different URL;
3. Preventing your users from accessing Internet is not what I call “A better browsing experience”;
4. No communication has been made previously to the application of this forced downgrade. I heard there was a statement made by Opera Software five days after this occurred, but did not find the reliable source so far;
5. The only working version of the browser is in Chinese, as if everybody living in China was able to read Chinese.

I don’t complain about what they did since I know how big the market is around here, and the pressure is huge too. I just totally dislike the way it’s been made, and I really wish that one day, western countries could behave in other ways than just vassals. I’m sure it’s really pleasant for some Government, but it really doesn’t help people here in my opinion.

I guess Bolt might find a new opening in China.

I was hoping this could be discussed somehow (one can dream) during the China Mobility International Summit 2009 in Beijing, on 2^nd and 3^rd of December, but I can’t find any information about the event except this brochure. It looks like it has been canceled somehow. Weird.

The “cultural revolution” is not ended yet, unfortunately.