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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."