This week’s official visit by Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping highlights the importance of the economic relationship between the U.S. and China – and the challenges faced within the bilateral relationship. U.S companies recognize the immense opportunity of the growing Chinese market, but continue to be frustrated by a number of trade and investment issues, particularly the protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights in China.

In a recent Washington Post interview, Vice President Xi indicated protection of intellectual property rights is important to fostering a climate of goodwill between U.S. and Chinese businesses. We welcome China’s recognition of the importance of intellectual property in cultivating a vibrant, innovative economy and a positive environment for the continued growth of U.S-China relations. As a worldwide champion of IP, the GIPC looks forward to working with our Chinese partners to realize the vision of strong IP protection and enforcement for domestic and foreign rights holders as articulated in Vice President Xi’s interview. The GIPC has made the protection and enforcement of IP in China a priority, and will continue efforts to advocate on policy challenges before both governments and engage domestic rights holders to further the objective of stronger IP protection and enforcement in China.

Everyone has a stake in the success of the effective IP enforcement. Maintaining the integrity of IP protects consumers from faulty and sometimes dangerous products, while ensuring the integrity of respected brands. The GIPC has cast a wide net in China, routinely engaging IP experts, Chinese government officials, business stakeholders, and academics in advancing intellectual property rights ranging from (but not limited to) regulatory data protection, online counterfeiting and piracy, and government use of legitimate software.

It has become clear that establishing a pro-IP infrastructure in China is a win-win for the U.S. and China, and we are encouraged by Vice President Xi’s specific attention to protect and promote the true innovators in the global market.