Software giant Microsoft intends to bring in another 1,000 staff in China over the coming year, as it ramps up its research and development (R&D) efforts in the country.

According to a report by Reuters Thursday, Redmond's recruitment drive will help beef up the talent pool in departments such as R&D, sales, marketing, and services, said Ralph Haupter, chairman and CEO for Microsoft's Greater China division.

It also plans to boost its R&D spend in the country by 15 percent over the same time period, noted Zhang Ya-Qin, chairman of Microsoft's Asia-Pacific R&D group.

Redmond currently spends some US$500 million annually on research and development work in China, Reuters added.