China destroys illegal publications

BEIJING - Authorities across China on Tuesday destroyed more than 29 million copies of pirated publications and other illegally produced documents ahead of World Intellectual Property Day which falls on April 26.

The destruction of the documents, which took place in 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, was intended to demonstrate China's resolution in cracking down on the infringement of intellectual property rights (IPR), as well as the distribution of pornography and other forms of illegal publishing, according to officials.

Sun Shoushan, deputy head of the General Administration of Press and Publication, said in a speech that China has consistently stood for protecting IPR and fighting piracy.

Official figures indicate that authorities confiscated more than 38 million unauthorized publications and investigated more than 7,800 related cases between April 2011 and March this year.