The recent US announcement to invoke “Article 301” and raise tariffs on Chinese goods is a typical unilateral and protectionist move that severely breaches WTO rules. The arguments for such a move, namely, allegations of China “stealing” intellectual property from the US and “forcing” US firms to transfer technology, are absolute “pride and prejudice” that have completely ignored China’s tremendous efforts and progress in IPR protection.

Has China achieved progress by “stealing” intellectual property from the US? What has China done to protect IPR? Facts speak louder than words.

As a 5,000-year-old civilisation that has famously contributed, among numerous ideas and innovations, the “four great...