beyondbrics

Steve Jobs was a hero for many around the world, but in China, his status was almost mystical. Like his life, his death has captivated millions of Chinese Apple fans, and prompted some wistful questioning over whether China could ever have its own technology magician.

Already in Beijing, white flowers have appeared on the steps of the Apple store, while its iconic Apple logo will remain unlit until 10am on Friday.

Online tributes are flooding in – 36m so far including many from China’s own tech industry leaders. Sina Weibo – the country’s leading microblog – has set up a special tribute page to Jobs (via Shanghaiist). From midday on Thursday to 8am Friday, all posts sent via an Apple device will be identified as “Sent from Jobs’ iPhone” or “Sent from Jobs’ iPad”.

Ma Huateng, founder of Tencent, said “Nobody’s death will make the whole world so grieved. He is my idol… He combined technology and art perfectly. He created the most elegant product in the world. He left not only a most valuable company, but also our yearning forever.”

Wang Jianzhou, president of China Mobile, sent a message of condolences to Apple, saying that Jobs won respect from his partners thanks to his spirit of innovation. He not only made Apple a popular brand, but also defined a different future for the industry. His death is a huge loss for the industry, said Wang.

A more pointed analysis came from Wu Jiaxiang, a Chinese academic.

Apple is the fruit of a tree, on which branches are free thoughts and creations, rooted from constitutional government and democracy. There would be collective projects rather than technology masters in authoritarian countries.

It is said Chinese people hate the rich. But all the Chinese are mourning for Jobs after he died. They don’t hate the rich. They respect the rich who accumulate their fortune via talents and innovation as well. What Chinese people hate are those get rich by monopoly, corruption and cheating.

With a new store opening in Shanghai last month, and another in Hong Kong, Steve Jobs leaves behind a company that is booming in China. He will be missed.

By Josh Noble and Zhou Ping in Hong Kong.

Related reading:
Slideshow Steve Jobs 1955-2011, FT
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs dies, FT
Apple’s emerging troubles, beyondbrics
Steve Jobs prompts soul-searching in China, beyondbrics
Steve Jobs: a pirate who commanded the navy, FT Business Blog
Tears and tributes for Steve Jobs in China, CNN.com