Fujitsu will join forces with French telecoms equipment maker Alcatel SA to build mobile networks for third-generation (3G) services in China, an official said.

"We are seeking sales cooperation in China as there are areas where Alcatel is strong and areas where Fujitsu is strong," a Fujitsu spokesman said, adding the pair aimed to win a combined 15 percent share.

Fujitsu has allied with Alcatel in the mobile business through Evolium SAS, a joint venture in Velizy, near Paris, offering mobile network infrastructure on the GSM standard for second-generation services and W-CDMA for 3G services.

Companies are competing to gain a foothold in China, the world's biggest mobile phone market, with 3G services expected to start as early as next year.

Another Japanese electronics giant NEC said in December it had been in talks with China Mobile Communications Corp., the country's biggest mobile phone operator, and China Telecommunications Corp. to sell 3G equipment.