Demonizing China’s IPR regime shows willful US blindness to facts
To address the fear of the socalled “economic aggression” of China and make rational decisions, US policymakers should avoid being misled by distorted reports that demonize China’s intellectual property rights (IPR) protection.
One such report, closely related to the ongoing trade war launched by the US against China, was released by the White House Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy on June 19.
Using bigotry and unfair accusations, the report attempts to depict China as “a global threat.” It actually does not hold water. If anything, the report proves how the US has turned a blind eye to China’s progress in IPR protection and how irresponsibly Washington exaggerates the issue.
The report labels China’s “market access approval” and “government supervision” as “forced technological transfers” to justify its implausible conclusions. This is a glaring flaw.
China has never forced a foreign company to transfer technology, nor does any Chinese law give nod to “forced” transfers. Necessary limitations on foreign ownership and approvals are by no means “invasive.” The Chinese government is exercising its duties just like any other government.
China is committed to the principle of mutual benefit and win-win in economic exchange with foreign companies. Over the past four decades, the benefits of the country’s rapid development have been widely shared under the spirit of contract.
If the Chinese market is not based on rule of law, why has it become a popular destination for overseas investment? How could so many multinationals make China an essential part of their global industrial chains if it is not fair to IPR? China has become a major powerhouse of the world economy. And such achievements have been made by hard-working Chinese.
Facts always speak louder than words. According to a business climate survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in China, almost all member enterprises agree that IPR enforcement in China has been stable or improving in recent years, and 74 percent respondents plan to increase investment in China this year.
Sadly, the Trump administration is intent on ratcheting up its criticism of China’s IPR and technical innovation, while it seeks to slap additional tariffs on Chinese imports.
But China will never be forced into submission.
The report is full of clichés reminiscent of a Cold War mindset, and slanders the business integrity of the Chinese; it shows that the US still loves China-bashing and is addicted to tampering with standards to serve its own interests.
Fortunately, the international community does not buy this, as baseless accusations and distortion of facts go nowhere, while fair and just competition always prevails.
It will be better late than never for the US to stop demonizing China’s IPR protection and come to terms with reality in a more responsible way.
China has become a major powerhouse of the world economy. And such achievements have been made by hardworking Chinese.