THE HAGUE — Premier Li Keqiang vowed to further strengthen intellectual property rights (IPR) protection, saying that China by no means allows any forced transfer of IPR on Oct 16.

“Any transfer of IPR must be based on the will of the enterprises,” Premier Li said while addressing the China-Netherlands Business Forum 2018 in The Hague during his visit to the Netherlands.

“If the enterprises are willing (to make a transfer), it has to be a fair deal. That is to say, the enterprises must be paid for,” the Premier said.

Without IPR protection, innovation cooperation is impossible and expansion of investment in the Chinese market lacks of foundation, Premier Li said.

The Premier said any IPR violation in China will be severely punished in accordance with the law.

“I would like to make a pledge here that the Chinese government will pay great attention to the protection of IPR so as to create a conducive environment for innovation,” Premier Li said.

“If any enterprises encounter any trouble in this regard, they can raise the issue with us. We will handle it in accordance with the law,” the Premier added.