They pulled out because they lost competition to local companies, not censorship. The R&D offices and their cloud business is still there. Especially in terms of R&D China is interested in crippling Google because the latter is in cahoots with the US government always trying to pass new anti-China resolutions.
Not to mention they still operate in hong kong hoping Chinese will use it. 15 years later it is still not happening. I already pointed that out with my link, Google still operate in Hong Kong. If they dont follow the law, fine them. If they think they are above the law, their asset can be seized like any company. They are replaceble by domestic company in main land, and Hong Kong is no exception. Follow the law or get out!
But for some people in this thread they think Google is untouchable despite evidence I showed. And they think "oh no my precious R&D staff paid and trained by Google". These people hired by Google are highly intelligent and can be hired Chinese business. Google is in competition with companies like Baidu and Huawei for talent, and we all agree these national champion can use some talents to expand. Honestly I would say make Google pay a fine to save face is too good for them. Kick them out of Hong Kong is even better. Oh well, gotta keep your image of being business friendly though! We will just settle with a fine.