(Yicai Global) Aug. 2 -- Analysts in China have raised doubts regarding Google's possible return to the country through the use of a censored search engine.

The Mountain View-based firm is unlikely to attempt a return to China due to the current international and domestic market situation, China Securities Daily cited multiple analysts as saying. Others indicated that the reports are merely a ploy by Google to stimulate the capital market as it prepares to face a record EUR4.3 billion (USD5 billion) fine from EU regulators for breaking antitrust laws.

US media outlet The Intercept reported that Google had met with government officials to tout a search app modified for the Chinese market, according to internal documents. The two versions made of the app are codenamed Maotai and Longfei, and a final version could be rolled out in six months.

Reports of Google's possible return to China have cropped up almost every year since the search engine operator withdrew from the country back in 2010. The company has made some progress on entering the Chinese market recently, even though some of its core products -- like search, email, and the Play Store -- are banned in the country. It launched its first WeChat mini app, Guess My Sketch, last week as well as its Google Translate app last year. It also has partnerships with tech giant Tencent and online retailer JD.Com worth billions of dollars.

Editor: William Clegg