Rio: one step back, two steps forward

China has taken a step back. For weeks, various state-sponsored channels suggested that the four Rio Tinto executives detained since July 5 would be accused of stealing state secrets. But the People’s Republic has now officially announced that the four, including one Australian national, have been formally arrested for lesser offences – of obtaining commercial secrets and bribery. Formal charges have not yet been made, but the arrest warrant enables authorities to detain the employee...