Google.cn launched in Jan 2006.

The Chinese gov't will just replace it (google.cn) with baidu.cn, which they already do on a regular basis.

I agree completely. However, I'd guess it's just a political move. People are largely unable to distinguish Google from the internet at large (particularly when it's in the form of Google representing trends that aren't easily observable to anyone who doesn't, say, have an extra copy of the net kicking around). So they blame Google when the internet contains something they don't like, hence Google tries to avoid it. Just my $0.02.

Don't forget Norwegian black metal!

You mean I can't use virii to hax0r people's boxen? :P