Google and Baidu.com, its biggest rival in China, are exploring similar options to expand their online video services in the world's fourth-largest economy, a Reuters report said.
The Reuters report, quoting industry sources, said that the two Internet search leaders have independently had early discussions with some local video Web sites for potential business cooperation or possible acquisitions.
However, neither Internet giant has secured a specific target yet, said the sources.
The moves come after Google last month closed its $1.65 billion acquisition of top online video-sharing site YouTube, the report said.
Baidu also launched its own Chinese-language video Web channel on a trial basis a few months ago, it added.
The Reuters report also said according to the source, Google is considering whether to simply translate its global YouTube site into Chinese or build up a brand new 'YouTube China,' possibly through the acquisition of a local video-sharing Web site, which may cost more time and money.
'As a leader in China's rapidly growing Internet sector, we constantly evaluate opportunities to build value for our users and our shareholders,' Baidu said in a statement emailed to Reuters on Thursday. 'We will announce material business developments, if any, when appropriate.'
Baidu declined any further comment while a spokesman for Google in China was not immediately available for comment, the Reuters report said.