BEIJING - Tyco Fire & Security, the world's largest provider of fire and security products and services, announced on Thursday it has established a joint venture with Reliance Corp, a Chinese fire engineering and contracting provider.

Tyco President George Oliver declined to disclose the amount of the Swiss company’s investment, but said it will place greater emphasis on research and development in China this year.

Reliance reported annual revenue of around 500 million yuan ($79 million) last year, while Tyco reported annual revenue of $17 billion for fiscal 2011.