Living in Beijing, writing about politically sensitive things now and then, you get used to the idea that somebody, somewhere, might be watching. But it is usually an abstract threat. I opened my Gmail account a couple of mornings ago and found this message stripped across a banner in a pleasing shade of pink: “Warning: We believe state-sponsored attackers may be attempting to compromise your account or computer. Protect yourself now.” I knew exactly what to do. I calmly shut down and prepared to set the laptop on fire.