Chinese Internet search engine Baidu.com (BIDU) has announced its intention to enter the Japanese search market in 2007.

"Since our successful listing on Nasdaq in 2005, we have been committed to delivering the best user search experience in Chinese language search and creating exceptional value for our shareholders," said Robin Li, Baidu's Chairman and CEO. "We believe that our proven strength in non-English language search, the high Internet penetration in Japan, as well as similarities between the Chinese and Japanese languages make this market an ideal next step for Baidu."

Baidu has conducted more than six months of extensive research into the development of Japanese language search technology. According to the "CNNIC: 2006 China Search Engine Market Survey", Baidu currently commands more than 60% of the Internet search market in China.

"We are confident that Japan's search engine users will appreciate Baidu's powerful Japanese language search technology that will offer a user- friendly alternative to existing search engines," added Li.