Premier Wen Jiabao said that the government will crack down on violations of intellectual property rights (IPR) and the production of counterfeit goods in a message delivered during an IPR-related exhibition held in Beijing on Monday.

Wen said that scientific and technological progress will function as economic pillars during China's continued development and restructuring, and that these areas will require better IPR protection if they are to grow and prosper.

The exhibition Wen's message was delivered at is intended to illustrate the achievements China has made in its ongoing battle against IPR violations.

An anti-piracy campaign spearheaded by the State Council, or China's cabinet, took place from October 2010 to June 2011.

Wen said that the State Council approved the exhibition in the hopes of demonstrating the Chinese government's firm stance regarding IPR protection and raising public awareness of IPR laws and regulations.

The Chinese- and English-language exhibition will be open for three months.