Local partner

The Chinese government enforces strict laws on internet use, blocking content it considers a threat, including references to the Tiananmen Square massacre and notable dissidents.

Google has a partnership with Ganji.com through which Google has the required licence to operate Google.cn. Google.cn, launched last month, complies with these guidelines.  But Chinese newspapers have accused Google of not having the Internet Content Provider (ICP) licence needed to operate in China.

The Beijing News said that the situation had "attracted the attention" of Chinese regulators. A Google spokeswoman denied the reports, saying it was operating under the licence of its local partner.  Other foreign technology companies such as eBay and Yahoo also operate in China using the licences of their local partners.

'Uninvited guest'

Google's policy of telling users which pages are censored has also drawn the wrath of some newspapers.  "Does a business operating in China need to constantly tell customers that it's abiding by the laws of the land?" asked the China Business Times, comparing Google to an uninvited guest.

Google, together with other major technology firms, has also come under fire in the US for helping China censor the internet.

Earlier this month, members of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus said four US firms were putting profits before American principles of free speech.

Technology companies have defended their actions in China, saying they have to comply with local laws.

The firms are keen to gain a foothold in China's fast-growing internet industry, with more than 100 million people online.