By Cui Xiaohuo

Internet giant Google must obey Chinese law if it still wishes to continue to operate in the country, said Li Yizhong, Minister of Industry and Information Technology.

"If Google still plans to continue its operations in China, it must abide by Chinese laws and respect the wills of Chinese Internet users," the minister told reporters on Monday during a plenary session of the annual legislative meeting at the Great Hall of the People.

When asked whether authorities are still in discussions with Google on Internet restrictions in China, the minister declined to respond.

"On this matter, Google knows it best itself," the minister said.

The defiant California-based Internet search company revealed plans to cease operations in China on January 18, saying it no longer wishes to be under the pressure of China's Internet restrictions.