Sin-ming Shaw says the Hong Kong billionaire, Li Ka-shing seems to be the latest victim of China's witch hunt against independently-minded supporters of "pro-democracy protests by students and intellectuals." Indeed, the "umbrella revolution" made headlines across the Globe.

Li has been heavily criticised by the People's Daily, official mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist party for being "ungreateful" and "unpatriotic". His decision to divest some of his assets in China is seen by many as immoral, saying, he abandoned China, which had "enabled him to rise from extreme poverty to become one of the world’s wealthiest men – when the country needs him most."

Sin insists China's claim was questionable. Li's wealth grew not because of Beijing's preferential treatment. He was already one of the world's richest men before he started to invest in China. Meanwhile Beijing News defended the tycoon, maintaining Li's decision was a business one - to transfer capital elsewhere for better returns - and nothing ominous, which suggested he may be leaving a sinking ship - a possible indication of China's sluggish growth.

It's no coincidence that Li had amassed a fortune worth over $20 billion. He must be a shrewd businessman and had foreseen what would follow after a decade of fast expansion. He decided to cash out and lower his risks. It would be counterproductice not to let Li Ka-shing "run away", as it would only scare foreign invstors off. China's economy amounts to $10 trillion. Even if Li quits, it wouldn't collapse.

Perhaps Li's decision to restructure his business empire, moving its base to the Cayman Islands from Hong Kong had fueled uncertainty. That he took advantage of the - still - weak economy in Europe to step up investment there may just simply be "a business strategy."

It looks as though the current dissonance between Li and Beijing has also the feud between Li and the Leung Chun-ying, Hong Kong's chief executive to thank for. There is a personality clash between the two. Before Leung, said to be a puppet of Beijing, came to power, Li was held in high regard by many leaders in China, including former president Jiang Zemin.

Li's message, "that his home was where he felt safe" is universally true. Although China may be his "ancestral country" he sees him as "a free man", free to choose where he wants to live.