Anti-virus software provider McAfee Inc said yesterday that it would form a new Chinese subsidiary and expand its staff in the country as it looks for new inroads to the local security market.

The company plans to "double or triple" its China business over the next few years as it envisages huge opportunities for security products, said David DeWalt, president and chief executive of McAfee.

Discussions are also underway with several domestic partners on setting up a joint venture in China, said DeWalt.