SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Google Inc has applied for a license to operate its Google Maps product in China, China Business News reported on Tuesday, quoting an unnamed official. Google needs a license from Chinas State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping to continue operating Google Maps in China. Recently, requirements for a mapping license were relaxed to allow for foreign online mapping providers, such as Google, to engage in joint ventures to provide the service. Google has applied for the license with Beijing Guxiang information Technology, the newspaper reported.