Google Inc. and Baidu.com Inc., its biggest rival in China, are exploring similar options to expand their online video services in the world's fourth-largest economy.

Industry sources said that the two Internet search leaders have independently had early discussions with some local video Web sites for potential business cooperation or possible acquisitions. However, neither Internet giant has secured a specific target yet, said the sources with knowledge of the situation.

The moves come after Google last month closed its $1.65 billion acquisition of top online video-sharing site YouTube. Baidu also launched its own Chinese-language video Web channel on a trial basis a few months ago.

Google and Baidu have the same idea of expanding their online video business in China, though they are still studying a variety of business proposals.

Google is considering whether to simply translate its global YouTube site into Chinese or build up a brand new "YouTube China," possibly through the acquisition of a local video-sharing Web site, which may cost more time and money.

Baidu declined any further comment while a spokesman for Google in China was not immediately available for comment.

In China, Viacom Inc.'s MTV Networks in October agreed to share music videos and shows with Baidu in an attempt to reap advertising revenue in the world's second-largest Internet market, with more than 120 million users.

Source:佚名