THE green expanse of creepers in the front yard of the Nokia factory looks as though it is trying to compete against the white mist created by Beijing’s pollution. The leaves of various types of trees sway as they gently blow in the breeze. Not far away, are the electronics companies Foxconn, Excoteq and Centurion. Sanyo and the international cargo company Fedex are also there.

The factory is located in the Xingwang Industrial Park. Twenty-one