Microsoft's (MSFT) online services division, MSN, today announced it has formed a joint venture with Shanghai Alliance Investment Ltd to launch MSN China for China's netizens.

The newly formed company is called Shanghai MSN Network Communications Technology Company Ltd, and it received approval from Chinese government agencies to deliver MSN products and services to consumers throughout China.

Microsoft also unveiled plans to acquire certain assets of TSSX and enter into exclusive arrangements with the company, a Chinese mobile software and services company, to provide the foundation for delivering enhanced MSN Mobile products and services to the Chinese market and globally.

Although many consumers in China's mainland already use the MSN Messenger instant messaging service and the MSN Hotmail e-mail service in Chinese, the launch of the MSN China online portal planned for later this spring is expected to deliver a comprehensive online experience for China's consumers that integrates communications, information and content services.