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Annual U.S.-China Trade Meeting Yields Progress

October 30, 2009
WASHINGTON - In response to intellectual property agreements made by China at this week's 20th session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), Neil Turkewitz, Executive Vice President, International, issued the following statement:

"We are pleased that China has agreed to strengthen the fight against Internet piracy, a debilitating problem that limits opportunities for legitimate commerce for Chinese and American creators alike. We note that Baidu is the central contributor to this problem, and we hope that the recent announcement means that China will take swift action to address Baidu's conduct so that it fuels creativity rather than undermining it. 

"We also welcome China's agreement that it will work closely with the United States to resolve U.S. concerns about a new Ministry of Culture circular relating to online music distribution that is creating serious problems for the U.S. music industry. This circular will, if implemented, place a stranglehold on emerging legitimate online businesses that are seeking to deliver content in innovative ways, and we hope that the circular will be revoked before it goes into effect.

"And of course we thank Secretary Locke and USTR Kirk for their hard work and pursuit of objectives that will expand opportunities for U.S. businesses and workers. And in this case, satisfaction of U.S. demands will simultaneously help the Chinese creative community as well. The U.S. and Chinese creative communities have broad shared interests, and we hope that the Chinese government will deliver the results contemplated by this announcement."

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The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members are the music labels that comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States.

In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect the intellectual property and First Amendment rights of artists and music labels; conduct consumer, industry and technical research; and monitor and review state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi- Platinum™ and Diamond sales awards as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.

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