In this undated photo, robots perform soldering operations on an auto production line during an industry expo in Shanghai. (File photo: China News Service)

China is actively promoting its accession to the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Deposit of Industrial Designs, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang Wednesday.

“Chinese authorities have initiated domestic legal procedures to join the Hague Agreement in order to complete relevant preparations as soon as possible,” Geng added.

First adopted in 1925, the Hague Agreement allows industrial designs to be protected in multiple countries or regions with minimal formalities.

Geng also stressed that China holds the largest number of industrial design applications in the world. The accession is believed to promote China’s design to better get exposed in the world.

“China has acceded to almost all major international intellectual property treaties,” Geng said, “China is committed to the equal protection of intellectual rights of both domestic and foreign enterprises, and is continuously taking effective measures to increase the enforcement of their intellectual property rights.”

China will continue its long-term commitment to improving its ability to create, use, protect, manage and service intellectual property, Geng said.