The Chinese Ministry of Public Security released figures on Jan. 21 about its efforts to stem intellectual property infringement, according to The Global Times. As many as 59,222 suspects of intellectual property violations were seized by the Chinese police last year. These suspects were involved in 55,180 cases whose estimated value totals 173 billion yuan, or approximately $28 billion.

These efforts involved the seizure of more than 90 million tons of counterfeit and substandard products, and the dismantling of 1,260 criminal networks. In terms of particular campaigns, Chinese police acted against online sales of fake drugs and confiscated a record 300 million pills.

Ministry official Gao Feng said the police cooperated regularly with Interpol, the World Customs Organization and international law enforcement officials in its intellectual property protection efforts. It took part in Interpol's Operation Hurricane against counterfeiting and trafficking last year as well, helping to resolve more than 2,000 cases.

Widespread intellectual property violations in China, ranging from piracy of copyrighted materials to the production of counterfeit goods, comprise a major point of contention in its relations with other countries, according to The Star Tribune. Through the efforts last year of the Ministry of Public Security and future initiatives along the same line, China may be able to reign in its intellectual property problem. This would benefit China itself and its relationships with many other nations.