That's the plan, according to China Business News.
Here's part of the the computer-translated version of the Chinese story:
Google in April and China, said "goodbye"?
"We have received news that Google will be April 10 departure to China, but the news now Google has been no confirmation." Yesterday, a Google China authorized agent of "First Financial Daily" said that it was 4 inquire about Google's final decision on the Chinese market, but did not receive any real argument. If Google really had to leave China, and certainly with the aftermath, including the right agent to compensate.
Love those translation programs. More fun to read when you have t decipher as well.
If you want a more coherent version, try an article in Computer World. which picked up on the Chinese story.
The source is an "unidentified sales associate who works with the company."
Interesting if true. But Google doesn't really have any choice. Its reputation is more important than incremental revenues from China. Most companies (can I get a Bing! here?) wouldn't think so, but Sergey would.
When Google said it would end its self-censorship in China or leave, it backed itself into a corner with only two ways out. One it to stay and try to save face with some supposed concessions from China, which is as likely to compromise as a pit bull with its jaws locked on your foot. That out gives people reason to say "See? I told you Google was as evil and greedy as anyone else!"
The other, to actually leave China, silences the critics and boosts Google's reputation. It will give up a very lucrative marketplace in order to stick to its principles.
I'm impressed if this happens. Steve Ballmer will be too. He's a shark that smells chum in Google-less Chinese waters.
Long term, I think Google's reputation is more important. Trust is critical when you have a company with such an intimate relationship with your Internet habits.
Google has a lot of other new revenue sources to pursue. And it can keep trying to infiltrate China from outside, although that's nearly impossible right now. I wonder if China can block mobile phone access to Google search?
Probably.