Reuters reports that Japanese mobile social gaming company Gree has partnered with Chinese internet company Tencent Holdings, in order to create a social gaming platform for smartphone users in China. According to the report, Gree will provide Tencent with the “necessary technology and know-how” to help it build a platform that is modelled on Gree’s existing Japanese operation. It was noted that developers will be able to address a customer base across the two countries due to the common technology base. According to the report, Gree operates Japan’s largest online social network, with more than 20 million subscribers, generating revenue from in-app purchases. Tencent controls about one third of China’s online gaming market and runs its largest online messaging platform.

Tencent previously announced a CNY5 billion (US$758 million) fund to invest in “innovative and top-notch” internet and related companies in China. It identified focus areas as including online gaming, SNS, mobile Internet, e-commerce and new media. Tencent recently partnered with Nokia, to integrate Ovi Maps with its social network services.