China warned Friday that internet search software giant Google will have to face consequence if it violates laws in the communist country.

'It is irresponsible and unfriendly if Google insists on doing something that goes against China's laws and regulations and it will have to bear the consequence for doing so,' said Li Yizhong, minister of industry and information technology.

The remarks came after Google said earlier this week that it was firm on its decision to 'stop censoring search results for China' and was 'prepared' to leave the country if that was the option, Xinhua reported.

Google vice-president Nicole Wong Wednesday asked the US Congress to put pressure on countries scrutinising internet contents. In January, the firm said it was considering leaving China because of censoring requirements and alleged hacker attacks.

The Chinese minister said, 'If Google decides to stay in China, we welcome and it will help boost the development of the country's internet industry. The company is welcome to expand its business and market share in the country'.

But 'If it decides to quit, we will follow our procedures,' he said, adding that Google's departure will have no major influence on China's internet market.

The company, which entered China in 2007, now accounts for more than 30 percent of the country's search engine market, Li said.

The minister said China's internet environment is open and administered in line with the country's laws. 'Internet administration is not a special case in China as all countries regulate networks according to their own laws.'