China slams Google over web censorship move

China has responded to Internet giant Google's announcement to stop censoring its Chinese-language search engine, Google dot C-N, and is redirecting Chinese mainland users to a site in Hong Kong.

The State Council Information Office, which helps oversee China's Internet rules, said foreign companies should abide by Chinese laws and regulations when they operate in the country.

An official from the Office's Internet Bureau said Google is wrong to stop censoring its Chinese language searching results and blaming the country for alleged hacker attacks. The official reiterated China's staunch opposition to the politicization of commercial issues and added that the Chinese government encourages Internet development and popularization.

China welcomes foreign companies to operate and develop in the country's Internet industry and will provide suitable services for them.