However, the Cricket Wireless operator would only provide a short-term solution to Ma Bell's very long-term woes.

ENGADGET: blogger-avatar

No matter how much money a new start-up spends to get customers, they are just not going to be able to catch up to Jack Ma in the near-term.

FORBES: My First-Hand Impressions of the Chinese Tech Sector

Many locals have also expressed support to Ma, perceiving the long-term effect of his endeavor in preventing them from becoming so-called ecological refugees.

CNN: Fighting the desert one tree at a time

While the "three no's" have eased tensions significantly, Mr. Ma still grapples with the question of where the relationship is going long-term.

WSJ: Interview with Ma Ying-jeou: Taiwan's D��tente Gamble

For instance, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) for MA and V peaked above 70 on Wednesday, hinting at the potential for short-term weakness.

FORBES: Can Visa and MasterCard Continue to Charge Higher?