Online search engine leader Google Inc. has opened a small office to host meetings when its workers are visiting China, setting the stage for a possible expansion in one of the world's fastest growing economies.
The Mountain View-based company has been licensed to operate a "representative" office, but none of its 3,500 employees work in the country full time, company spokeswoman Debbie Frost said.
Google is interested in expanding in China, but is still trying to learn more about the market before making a move, Frost said. "There are a number of future options we are considering but do not have any details to share at this time," she said.
The company's Web site listed a job opening on Wednesday for a marketing communications manager for mainland China.
Only the United States has more Web surfers than China, making the country an obvious target for Google, which makes virtually all its money from online advertising.
Analysts say the company's ability to attract an international audience has played a pivotal role in Google's rapidly rising profits, which totaled $369.2 million during the first three months of this year, a nearly sixfold improvement from last year.
In another sign of its interest in China, Google has obtained a Web address under the country's China's domain.
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