Chinese Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Yizhong has issued a strongly worded warning to search outfit Google, over its pledge to stop censoring its search engine.

Yizhong said he hopes Google can respect Chinese rules and regulations, but added that the company would have to "bear the consequences" if it decides cease censoring search results.

"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."

It is unclear what the "consequences" might be at this point. Yizhong said China's internet would continue developing even without Google. There is a chance the government could take drastic measures to block Google services in China, but such a move would affect Chinese citizens and businesses alike.

More here.