Google to offer free music downloads in China

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is preparing to enter into a joint venture with an unnamed online music company based in China in order to compete with Baidu.com Inc. (NASDAQ:BIDU) , the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

According to reports Google is planning on offering free licensed music downloads in China.

Baidu.com also offers free music downloads, though the downloads aren’t licensed.

Baidu.com is China’s largest search engine.

Its stock was down $20 late today.