BizNomic

Even as talks between Google and the Chinese government reach a virtual stalemate, Google intends to retain substantial business presence in the region.

If speculation is to be given any weight at all, the US internet group will be announcing the closure of its flagship local search engine; google.cn; as early as monday – just as it had threatened earlier, in case the government does not allow uncensored search results.

A state-owned Chinese newspaper, quoting an unnamed Google employee, reported yesterday that the company could announce the closure of google.cn on Monday. A person familiar with the situation said last week that Google had drawn up plans for the closure of the Chinese search engine and hoped to manage an orderly exit from the country. Google.cn is a joint venture between the company and a domestic partner since the government does not allow foreigners to hold content in the internet content business. Google’s workforce is employed by a wholly US based company, however.

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