In an interview with Good Morning America, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates talked about Google and Internet censorship in China:

Asked in an interview on ABC’s Good Morning America about Google Inc’s (GOOG.O) dispute with China, Gates said the Internet is subject to different kinds of censorship around the world but has proved a consistent success at promoting openness and the exchange of ideas.

“You’ve got to decide: Do you want to obey the laws of the countries you’re in, or not? If not, you may not end up doing business there,” Gates, the world’s richest man, said without mentioning Google by name.

“The Chinese efforts to censor the Internet have been very limited. It’s easy to go around it, and so I think keeping the Internet thriving there is very important,” he said.

Update: The Atlantic Wire sums up and provides links to various reactions to Gates’ comments here.