Facebook wants to open an "innovation hub" in China

Facebook is trying a new path in China, after years of exclusion from the world's second largest economy.

The social media giant said on Tuesday that it planned to set up "an innovation hub … to support Chinese developers, innovators and start-ups".

Its function will be similar to Facebook hubs currently in service around the world, including France, Brazil, India and South Korea, the company said in a statement.

Facebook and other major technology companies have been stranded out of China for years thanks to the country's strict censorship laws.

In addition to Facebook, applications such as Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook are prohibited in the country.

Facebook could still face obstacles in opening its new innovation center, however. A notice from the Chinese government listing a Facebook affiliate in the country was removed late Tuesday from the website where it was posted.

According to an archived version of the notice, Facebook registered a Chinese subsidiary in Hangzhou City on July 18 with a starting capital of $ 30 million. The only shareholder mentioned was the Facebook entity in Hong Kong.

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"With China's censorship problems as a clear blockade for Facebook and social networks, it's not enough." is an olive branch movement, 19659007] in the hope of entering this region in the next few years in one form or another, "said Daniel Ives, director of strategy and head of research Technology at GBH Insights

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has made several efforts to establish a relationship with the country through frequent state visits and meetings with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping.

Just last week, Zuckerberg gave the impression that efforts in Beijing were at a standstill. "We are far from doing anything [in China]," he said. stated in an interview with Recode.

China has become an increasingly important center of innovation for American tech giants like Apple and Google who have invested heavily in research and development in the country in recent years.

Related: Google bets $ 550 million on the Chinese e-commerce company JD.com

Last year, Facebook made a comeback in China by quietly launching an application of sharing photos and videos called Colorful Balloons, without attaching his name.

Although the new innovation center can help Facebook expand its presence in China, there is no indication that its social media platforms will soon be made available to people in the country. more populated world.

– Serenitie Wang contributed to this report

CNNMoney (Atlanta) First published on July 25, 2018: 2:25 AM ET