The National Copyright Administration (NCAC) revealed details of its active participation in copyright cooperation and exchange with the international community in an exclusive interview with China.org.cn.

According to the NCAC, China's undertakings in this field since the founding of the People's Republic of China 70 years ago, have gained high recognition around the world. With the ongoing economic globalization and integrated development of our world, China will demonstrate its increased participation in the international mechanisms for copyright protection.

Up to now, China has successively ratified and acceded to eight international copyright-related treaties, and fulfilling its obligations under them.

Notably, in June, 2012, China co-organized the Diplomatic Conference on the Protection of Audiovisual Performances with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which ratified the "Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances."

The treaty was WIPO's first international copyright-related agreement in almost 20 years at the time.

In addition, according to the NCAC, China advocates multilateral mechanisms for copyright exchange and cooperation such as those under the organizations like WIPO, the WTO, and APEC. It has also engaged in bilateral copyright dialogues with the EU, the U.S., the U.K., Japan, South Korea, Mexico and many other counties. 

Over the years, China has actively engaged in negotiations for a Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), as well as a free trade agreement (FTA) with Australia, South Korea, and the Eurasian Economic Union. 

Together with its promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, China is committed to developing bi- and multi-lateral copyright frameworks highlighting win-win cooperation.

The NCAC also stressed that China's achievement in copyright protection, application and management are highly recognized by the global community.

For example, Francis Gurry, director general of WIPO, has identified the "Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances" as a successful outcome of multilateral cooperation on intellectual property rights.

"The conclusion of the Beijing Treaty is an important milestone toward closing the gap in the international rights system for audiovisual performers and reflects the collaborative nature of the multilateral process," he said at the time the treaty was concluded.

Besides, Nantong in eastern China's Jiangsu province and Dehua in southeastern China's Fujian province have been listed as WIPO case studies for their advancement of copyright protection.

In 2017, the value of China's copyright industry accounted for 7.35% of total GDP, while the number in developed regions such as Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen had reached between 9% to 12%, close to or even surpassing the overall level in some Western counties.

From an international perspective, the economic contribution of China's copyright industry is above the global average, and the gap between China and developed countries such as the U.S. and Japan is narrowing.

However, the NCAC said more issues related to internet copyright would inevitably arise as this industry develops. In response, the NCAC's future work would focus on the challenges brought by new techs such as 5G, AI and blockchain.

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