Microsoft Corp has bought land in Shanghai and Beijing for use by its research and development operation in China, the Shanghai Securities News reported, citing vice president Zhang Yaqin.

Zhang said the deals represent Microsoft's first land purchases devoted specifically to R&D in the country and are an endorsement of China''s promise in software.

According to the report, Microsoft expects to invest 60 mln usd in R&D in China this year and will have 8,000 employees for these operations in the next two or three years.