Frontpage words - March 24, 2010

by Shi Jiangtao

SCMP, page A1 March 24, 2010

1. Google's decision to move its simplified-Chinese search service to an uncensored site in Hong Kong grabbed the headlines around the world yesterday
- was big news -

2. For millions of mainland users, the subtle difference is negligible
- slight -
- insignificant -

3. In sharp contrast with the fanfare two months ago when Google dropped a bombshell by announcing it planned to 'pull out' from the mainland
- fuss, media attention -
- surprised everybody -

4. it had ended its affiliation with Google
- alliance, partnership -

5 We see this as increasing or ratcheting up tension between two parties
- increasing, possibly irreversibly -