While Google's negotiations with Chinese authorities are still pretty much behind closed doors, government officials are beginning to make it very clear that they will not accept any sort of wavier of the country's strict online censorship laws on Google.cn. Google hasn't acted on its decision to stop censoring search results in China, which it announced precisely two months ago, so there haven't been any repercussions from the officials but the latest statements are clear: it won't be allowed to operate an uncensored search engine in the country.

Asked at a press conference today what China would do if Google stopped censoring search results on its local search engine, Li Yizhong, Minister of Industry and Information Technology, was unequivocal. "I hope Google can respect Chinese rules and regulations," Li answered. "If you insist on taking this action that violates Chinese laws, I repeat: you are unfriendly and irresponsible, and you yourself will have to bear the consequences."

China's official stance on Google's decision has been rather low key so far and, while it was sure to underline that the company would have to obey the laws just like anyone else, no official has used such clear words so far. Li went on to say that the decision to leave the Chinese search market was entirely up to the search giant.

The statement comes after Google CEO Eric Schmidt indicated earlier this week that negotiations with the Chinese officials, which have been confirmed and then denied by the Chinese side, were coming to an end "soon," though he declined to put an actual date or time frame on that. Whatever the results of the negotiations, it is highly unlikely that Google will be allowed to run an uncensored search engine, something that is even clearer now.

Two months ago, the company caused a stir when it announced it was no longer willing to censor search results on Google.cn. Things have remained relatively quiet since as the two sides have been engaged in private talks but the outcome will probably not be in Google's favor. However, it is more likely that it will be able to keep its other operations in the country.