Chinese gov’t cock-blocking the Nexus 7

It seems that certain elements of the Chinese government aren’t that eager for Google to launch its 7-inch tablet, the Nexus 7, in its territory, reports Digitimes.

According to the report, sources in Taiwan, where the tablet is built, have revealed that the government is making things “difficult” for the Android device’s launch, saying:

“The China government’s negative attitude is interpreted as a response to Google’s announcement of withdrawing from the China market in March 2010, the sources pointed out. It is difficult for the Nexus 7 to enter the China market, even through sale of Asustek’s marketing network there.”

Digitimes notes that without the Nexus 7, which not only carries the Google brand but Asus’ as well, the Chinese tablet market will thrive without strong competitors, as China’s local tablet makers are churning out Android-powered devices at a price point of US$149.

The source also stated that, “without the China market, the cumulative global sales volume of Nexus 7 will reach an estimated 3.5-million units at the end of 2012.”

Currently the tablet is available through Chinese e-commerce site Taobao, along with a few other things not available in China. The tablet is currently going for US$235 against its US$199 retail price.

Google’s battles with China in 2010 led the search giant to redirect its China search service to Hong Kong following espionage and hacking claims.