Op-Ed Contributors

Anti-China allegations reveal old mindset

By Xu Li (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-08-17 07:47

WTO rules help us address US concerns. When China was admitted to the WTO, it vowed never to use technology transfer as a condition for investment in the country. China's laws have honored that commitment. Though China is not yet a signatory to the Government Procurement Agreement, when it comes to government procurement, it promises to offer the most-favored-nation status to other countries.

WTO rules on intellectual property rights' protection provide conditions for compulsory licensing, and China has made several amendments to its laws to conform to international rules. Besides, there hasn't been a really serious licensing case in China. What could then make the US say China's new technology development approach is technology theft?

The fact is that improvisations are prevalent across the world. The WTO recognizes a second patent (on an improvisation) if it is an important, technically advanced form with considerable economic significance compared with the first patent.

The US is not the only country that criticizes China's technology innovation policy. The recent charges leveled by some other countries against China relate to the building of super-fast railways in the country and center on a take-and-give issue. China accords great importance to the availability of technology as a condition for inviting foreign companies (and other entities) to participate in construction projects, which are partly or fully financed by domestic funds.

When China obtains technology from foreign entities, it offers them access to the country's markets according to WTO rules. Yet foreign countries accuse China of transferring technology forcibly from foreign suppliers and not keeping its promises of opening up its market.