China resolved to protect intellectual property: minister

China is determined to fully protect intellectual property, the country's trade minister said Saturday during an economic forum here with Portuguese and Chinese businessmen.

"We have a long road ahead in terms of protecting intellectual property, but we will try to do our best," Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming said.

"If future generations don't know how to protect intellectual property, we will miss out on dynamism in terms of innovative activity," he said, adding China already has a body that protects intellectual property.

Chen spoke shortly before the start of a two-day visit to Portugal of Chinese President Hu Jintao, amid hopes Lisbon will reap the benefit of Beijing's largesse in trade deals and alleviate market pressure on its debt.

The two countries are expected to ink several cooperation agreements, notably in the telecommunications and renewable energy sectors, according to Chen.

"Even though China was not committed within the Kyoto Protocol framework in reducing its carbon emissions, China wants to do everything it can to develop its green economy," he said.

(c) 2010 AFP