Meta global affairs chief says decision not to offer Instagram, Facebook in China helps defend free expression

Core Insights - Meta's decision to not offer services in China has strengthened its commitment to free expression principles [1][4][7] - CEO Mark Zuckerberg previously expressed a desire to connect with the Chinese market but faced insurmountable challenges [2][5] - The company continues to generate revenue through partnerships with Chinese advertisers targeting global markets despite its services being blocked in China [4] Company Strategy - Meta's Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan highlighted that the inability to reach an agreement with Chinese authorities has allowed the company to advocate for its values more freely [4][7] - Kaplan emphasized that this position enables Meta to defend and promote the foundational values of free expression [8] Historical Context - Zuckerberg's 2019 comments at Georgetown University reflected the company's initial interest in entering the Chinese market [2][5] - Kaplan's recent remarks at the Raisina Dialogue conference reiterated the company's past intentions and the eventual decision to withdraw from the Chinese market [5][7] Future Outlook - Meta is investing significantly in AI, with plans to allocate up to $65 billion by 2025, indicating a focus on technological advancement [9]