iPad 3G receives regulatory approval in China?

Chinese regulators have approved a new Apple 3G-capable device, leading to speculation that the company will soon launch the iPad 3G in China. Dow Jones Newswires reports that the device, labeled a “data terminal,” was approved by China’s State Radio Regulatory Center on December 29, and features WCDMA 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GSM cellular connectivity. Apple spokeswoman Carolyn Wu said the company plans to offer a 3G version of the iPad in the country, but gave no timeframe for a release; China Unicom, a likely iPad carrier partner and current iPhone carrier, declined to comment, despite prior statements that it would like to offer the iPad as soon as possible. [via MDN]