The Chinese government recently kicked off an initiative to destroy pirated and illegal publications as part of an official nod to World Intellectual Property Day, which officially takes place on April 26.

According to the government-run Xinhua news agency, more than 26 million pirated publications, including discs, books and newspapers, were destroyed across the country in the lead up to the day. The news provider described the events as a "sign of the country's determination to protect intellectual property rights."

Yan Xiaohong, deputy director of China's State Press and Publication Administration, told Xinhua the publications were confiscated by authorities across the Chinese mainland's 31 provinces. In addition, the government is planning a crackdown on piracy, with a particular focus on illegal printing houses and disc production lines, Yan said.

Reuters, meanwhile, reported that the Chinese government had announced progress in its campaign to ensure government offices do not use pirated software.

According to Reuters, Yan claimed approximately two-fifths of central government offices are now using legal software, while another two-fifths are in the buying process.

At a news conference, Yan said increased focus on intellectual property enforcement is "very important" for China, in order to help "achieve transformation of its economic development pattern and build an innovative economy."