Germany affirms China's efforts in IPR protection

BEIJING, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met here with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday.

Wen talked with Merkel for an hour on Monday morning in the Great Hall of the People, in which they agreed to list the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) as an important topic for bilateral strategic dialogue.

"IPR protection is not only an issue between countries, but also a requirement for China itself in its development," Wen said.

He vowed to take all efficient measures, especially legal measures, to punish IPR violators.

Merkel said she believed China had set up a sound legal base for IPR protection, while calling on specific measures to fulfill the policies.

China's Premier Wen Jiabao (C) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) inspects a guard of honour during a welcome ceremony outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing August 27, 2007. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA)