China firm on safeguarding IPR, premier says

Premier Li Qiang highlighted on Thursday Beijing's readiness to work with the World Intellectual Property Organization in fostering a climate that is conducive to the creation, protection and use of intellectual property rights.

During a meeting in Beijing with Daren Tang, director-general of WIPO, the premier said that China remains a positive constructor, key contributor and staunch defender of the international IPR system.

The meeting came after an event was held in Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 50th anniversary of cooperation between China and WIPO.

In a congratulatory message to the event, President Xi Jinping pledged unwavering efforts to protect intellectual property rights and improve the business environment.

Li told Tang that Beijing will support WIPO as always to play a greater role. He expressed his hope that the event will serve as an opportunity to bring cooperation between the two sides to a higher level.

Tang hailed the historic achievements and progress made by China over the past 50 years, saying that Beijing's IPR strategy is "exemplary".

WIPO will further bolster cooperation with China, he added.

China saw 70,000 international applications filed under WIPO's Patent Cooperation Treaty in 2022 and the country rose to the 11th position on the Global Innovation Index 2022 released by WIPO.

Li also spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over the phone on Thursday, underscoring that the two countries are good neighbors, friends, partners and brothers.

It is important for both sides to further improve the quality and efficiency of cooperation on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and make it a landmark project under the Belt and Road Initiative, he said.

Li appealed for both sides to build up cooperation on agriculture, mining, science and technology and information technology, adding he hopes that Pakistan will take concrete steps to protect the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel.

The two countries should carry forward their tradition of supporting each other on multilateral issues, safeguard international justice and uphold regional peace and security, he said.

Sharif said that Islamabad remains committed to the one-China policy and supporting Beijing in safeguarding its core interests.

He expressed willingness to work with China to promote the high-quality development of the CPEC, and deepen cooperation in various sectors, adding that his country will make all-out efforts to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Pakistan.

According to China's National Development and Reform Commission, the CPEC has created 190,000 jobs since it was launched in 2013, the year when China first proposed the BRI.