Social Networking Watch

Google's Investments In China

WASHINGTON POST -- Apr 14 -- Kai Fu-Lee, head of Google's China operations, said that the company is likely to make investments in both social networking and mobile firms in China, as part of a five-year plan to become the market leader. That mantle currently belongs to Baidu, which claims 60% market share. Google already made a few deals, including a recently revealed investment $1m in Comsenz, a provider of social networking and message board services. It's also a backer, to the tune of $5m, of P2P video service Xunlei. FULL ARTICLE @ WASHINGTON POST

Google Invests $1M In Chinese SN

VENTURE BEAT -- Mar 27 -- Google has invested $1 million in Comsenz, a Chinese provider of social network software. The news follows a report that Google is preparing to launch a joint music download venture in China, largely to take on Chinese search engine Baidu.com, which has been beating Google by offering free music. FULL ARTICLE @ VENTURE BEAT