After China banned Facebook in 2009 and Google pulled out its search engine in 2010, the Chinese government said it would welcome both companies back as long as they follow the rules, an official with the Cyberspace Administration of China said on Wednesday during a press conference held in preparation for the upcoming World Internet Conference.

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"China's internet development has always maintained a policy of openness," Ren Xianling, deputy director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, said when asked if these two internet giants are allowed to return to the country.

"As for foreign internet companies, as long as they respect China's laws, don't harm the interests of the country, and don't harm the interest of consumers, we welcome them to enter China, where they can together share the benefits of China's developing internet," he continued.

By "Chinese laws," Ren meant the country's stringent censorship that prevents users from searching or spreading information that is considered critical for the Communist Party. Local internet companies are obliged to cooperate with the government to limit online dissent, block certain keywords, and share private user data to authorities when reprimanded, the Quartz noted.

However, the lure to operate in the world's biggest online market is quite difficult to refuse. Both Google and Facebook have arms of its business in China.

Facebook for one has an office in Beijing, which many believe is its bid to get on the government's good side before launching a product. Also earlier this year, its CEO Mark Zuckerberg went on tour to court officials in another bid to enter China's 668 million internet users, the International Business Times noted.

Google, on the other hand, is attempting to launch its app store in the country. And its latest Pixel smartphone is also hoping it could get a slice of China's mobile market.

TagsFacebook, Google, china, Internet censorship, Internet, Great Firewall