Google China reattached the ICP (Internet Content Provider) license to its homepage, Wang Jinhong, director of public relations for Google China, told China Business News Monday.

Without an ICP license, Google is not allowed to operate commercial websites such as google.cn and g.cn in China. But Wang said the reattachment of the ICP is an alteration to the Google homepage, and it doesn't necessarily mean that Chinese authorities approved the license.

Wang also said Google China's ICP license will expire in 2012. The company does not need to reapply for the license, but the license needs to be renewed annually.

"I have been told that renewal of the ICP license would not be a big problem," a person associated with China Google's authorized dealer told China Business News. "We have been highly concerned about the ICP problem."

Google previously announced that its ICP license could not be renewed if it continues rerouting users to Google.com.hk. Several days ago google.cn and g.cn stopped redirecting visitors to Google.com.hk.

China's business press carried the story above on Tuesday. China.org.cn has not checked the stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.