Microsoft China recently published its new Chinese development strategy in Beijing, stating that the company plans to hire 1,000 new employees in 2013 financial year and 50% of these new employees will be university graduates.

According to Ralph Haupter, new chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft Greater China, the new recruitment is a part of the company's expansion strategy in China. These new employees will work for Microsoft's research, enterprise service and technology support departments. So far, Microsoft has about 4,500 employees in China.

Apart from the new recruitment drive, Microsoft also plans to increase investment in China. The company will reportedly focus more on the research of local demands among its users, and will expand to more cities and regions, so as to provide cloud computing services to more enterprise customers.

Haupter said that over the 2013 financial year, Microsoft China will invest over USD500 million in research and development. In addition, the company will enhance its presence in local markets of various provinces and cities. The company will set provincial general manager positions, directly report to chief operating officer.

Haupter also revealed that Microsoft will open 44 retail stores in China in 2013.