Chinese Internet search engine Baidu.com (BIDU) and independent Chinese language record label Rock Music will together provide an advertising-supported online music streaming service.

"This partnership with RMG, the world's leading Chinese language record label, reflects growing industry recognition of the advertising-supported free music streaming model," said Robin Li, Baidu's chairman and CEO. "Advertising- supported music provides more listening options for Internet users and gives online advertisers a powerful marketing platform."

According to the agreement, a selection of Chinese language music from RMG's repertoire will be made legally available for streaming at no charge to all users of Baidu. Internet advertising will be displayed while users listen to music licensed under the agreement. The two companies will share revenue generated from the advertising and will continue to work together to explore new opportunities in advertising-supported online music distribution.