THQ has today confirmed its expansion into the Far East, with the opening of THQ China, based in Shanghai.

The publisher has revealed that the expansion is part of a wider strategy to develop and promote new online titles in the region, including the soon to launched Asian-exclusive, Company of Heroes online.

"The Asian markets represent a significant growth opportunity for THQ, particularly as we execute on our strategy to grow revenue from online gaming, an increasingly important segment for our industry," said Martin Good, senior vice president THQ Asia Pacific. 'We look forward to continuing to build new publishing and development relationships in China to expand our presence in this important and fast growing gaming market."

"We view our China initiative as an integral part of our greater Asia online strategy and Tim Page brings tremendous experience to drive our success in this area," said Good. "THQ China will be a springboard from which to expand our online games content, including Company of Heroes Online, to neighboring markets across Asia."

THQ becomes the latest in a line of Western publishers that have expanded into China in recent years, including the likes of Ubisoft.