China's Candidate Has a Deep Understanding of WIPO's Strategic Goal
中国竞选人对世界知识产权组织的战略目标有深刻见解
On 3rd March 2020, Financial Times published Ambassador Liu Xiaoming's letter to the editor under the title "China's candidate has a deep understanding of WIPO's strategic goal". The full text is as follows:
2020年3月3日,英国《金融时报》刊登驻英国大使刘晓明署名文章《中国竞选人对世界知识产权组织的战略目标有更深的理解》,全文如下:
China's Candidate Has a Deep Understanding of WIPO's Strategic Goal
中国竞选人对世界知识产权组织的战略目标有更深的理解
There is no factual basis in the allegation that China "steals" intellectual property and tries to "control" the World Intellectual Property Organisation. The truth is, instead of control, China has contributed to global IP protection.
某西方政客近日发表文章称,中国“偷窃”知识产权,不能让中国“控制”世界知识产权组织,这完全是颠倒黑白、危言耸听、别有用心,事实上,中国为世界知识产权保护做出贡献。
China's continuous investment in science and technology for 40-plus years has enabled it to move from a big manufacturer to a major innovator. It is now the world's second-largest investor in research and development, top applicant for patents and third largest holder of valid patents, and the only middle-income economy in the top 20 in WIPO's Global Innovation Index. These achievements cannot be dismissed as "stealing".
改革开放40多年来,中国科技领域投入不断增加,重大创新成果不断涌现,“中国制造”正向“中国创造”转变。当前,中国研发投入世界第二,发明专利申请量世界第一,有效发明专利保有量世界第三。根据世界知识产权组织发布的《全球创新指数2019》报告,中国是唯一进入排名前20名的中等收入经济体。指责中国“偷窃”是对中国创新成就的污蔑。
The aforementioned allegation has led to the current campaign for the top office of WIPO being politicised, in which some are being pressurised into withdrawing support for China's candidate, Wang Binying. This is undermining the principle of fair and professional competition. The fact is, Ms. Wang has worked in WIPO for nearly 30 years and served as deputy head for 10 years. She has a deep understanding of WIPO's strategic goal, company culture, the challenges and vision for the future. She is the strongest of all the candidates, highly respected by her colleagues, and recognised extensively by member states for her leadership and executive capability. China joined WIPO more than 30 years ago and has since engaged in international co-operation and been committed to helping other developing countries seek development through IP. By nominating a candidate for the top office of WIPO, China hopes to make greater contribution to global IP protection.
世界知识产权组织总干事竞选理应是一场产权界专业人士的严肃竞争,但个别国家到处游说,施压他国放弃支持中国竞选人,将正常的竞选活动政治化,严重损害公平竞争原则。中国政府提名参选的王彬颖女士在世界知识产权组织工作近30年,担任副总干事10年,对该组织战略目标、组织文化、面临挑战和未来发展等有深刻见解,在各候选人中能力最强、威望最高,获得产权组织各成员国的广泛认可。中国加入世界知识产权组织已有30多年,不仅与80多个国家、国际和地区产权组织建立了合作关系,还积极帮助发展中国家提升利用知识产权促进发展的能力。中国参加总干事竞选,是为了能为世界知识产权事业做出更大贡献。
The allegations that China has gained "control" over four UN specialised agencies and "often steer the UN agenda to suit its interests" are even more absurd. As the largest developing country and second largest contributor to the UN budget, China is supporting the UN and contributing to multilateral co-operation by nominating high-calibre professionals to work for the UN. The Chinese nationals currently heading some offices are international civil servants who are elected by and act in the common wills of member states. They have outstanding capabilities and professional achievements, and follow the principle of objectivity and neutrality. It is in fact the accuser that is always attempting to steer the UN agenda to suit its own interests.
有人指责中国已经“掌控”了四个联合国专门机构,利用国际组织服务本国利益,完全是无稽之谈。中国是最大的发展中国家、联合国第二大会费国,中国积极参选国际多边组织是支持联合国和多边合作、为国际社会做出更大贡献的重要体现。现任的中国籍国际组织负责人都是经过各国投票产生的,按照会员国的共同意志行事。他们作为国际公务员,秉持客观、中立原则,能力和业绩突出,获得广泛认可。事实上,长期在国际组织指手画脚、服务本国利益的不是中国,恰恰是那个指责中国的国家。
In this day and age, such bullying behaviour and power politics should be rejected by all. The candidates for Director-General of WIPO deserve an objective, fair and professional campaign.
国际社会应团结起来,共同反对霸权主义和强权政治,让这次世界知识产权组织总干事竞选在客观公正专业的氛围中进行。