Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday that China firmly opposed hackers and promised full cooperation with Germany on the prevention and tracking of any hacker activity.

Wen's comments came in response to a reporter's question concerning reported Chinese hackers who attacked the computer networks of the German government.

"The Chinese government attaches great importance to the hacker attack on the German government networks," Wen said, adding China will take "determined" and "forceful" measures to combat hacker activities.

Wen held hour-long official talks with Merkel on Monday morning in the Great Hall of the People, at which the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) was listed as a crucial area for bilateral strategic dialogue.

"IPR protection is not only an issue between countries, but also a requirement directly related to China's development," Wen said.

He vowed to punish IPR violators fully under the law.

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

Merkel arrived in Beijing Sunday night, kicking off her second official visit to China as German chancellor. In her 4 day visit, she will also meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and top legislator Wu Bangguo.

(Xinhua News Agency August 27, 2007)