No one wants to stand up to China..

Oh yes, working with the Chinese will be so much more effective. NOT.

The internet company Google was facing renewed criticism yesterday after it launched a Chinese version of its search engine that helps the Beijing authorities to block access to pro-democracy websites.

The media watchdog, Reporters Without Borders, described the move as a "black day" for freedom of expression.

However, Google, whose company motto is "do no evil" believes it can play a more useful role by working with the Chinese government. The Chinese authorities devote huge resources to restricting access to the internet. Many sites, including the BBC's news service and Amnesty, are unavailable in the country.

Google's old search engine was subject to blocks from the government's sophisticated computer servers - known as the "great firewall of China".

However, in order to launch its new search service, Google.cn, from computer servers based within China, the company has agreed to actively help the government limit content. Google argues that it would be more damaging to pull out of China altogether and says that in contrast to other search engines, it will inform users when access is restricted on certain search terms.

Sensitive topics are likely to include independence for Taiwan and the Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989, as well as human rights in China generally.