Chinese search engine Baidu is partnering with China Mobile and China Netcom on the launch of search applications that will run over the country’s future 3G networks. The largest search engine in China already offers mobile search through its WAP portal, but Baidu says it is developing richer search applications for new 3G networks as it seeks to fend off competition from Google.
In Q2, Google’s share of the search market in China rose 4 percent to 22.8 percent, while Baidu’s share rose only 1 percent to 58.1 percent, according to Analysys. As part of its plan to expand, the search company’s CEO Robin Li recently announced its intention to make further acquisitions. Li also hinted that the firm may consider a Hong Kong share listing, following the huge success of online auction site alibaba’s Hong Kong IPO.