Vice Premier Wu Yi said in Beijing on Monday China will enhance cooperation with the European Union(EU) in protecting intellectual property rights (IPR).

China is always resolved to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of intellectual property holders from all over the world, Wu made the remarks while meeting with Laszlo Kovacs, EU Taxation and Customs Commissioner.

Wu said the China-EU relations has achieved remarkable progress since the two sides established diplomatic ties 30 years ago. EU has by now turned out to be the largest trade partner of China, which is the second largest to the EU.

Wu said that China and the EU have carried out fruitful exchanges and cooperation in the aspects of the IPR protection, anti-commercial fraud and customs evaluation.

The IPR protection is motivated by China's internal need to accelerate its economic and social development, Wu said, adding that China has dedicated much efforts to legislation and law enforcement in IPR protection.

China has all along kept its commitments in safeguarding IPR and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the IPR holders, Wu said, stressing that those who engage in infringement and counterfeiting of IPR will be severely penalized according to law.

(Xinhua News Agency November 14, 2005)