China yesterday called on its trading partners to engage in dialogue to resolve disputes on intellectual property rights (IPR) protection amid reports that Japan is considering joining the United States in filing a complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Wang Ziqiang, spokesman for the National Copyright Administration, said yesterday that piracy and counterfeiting are global problems and countries need to address them through talks rather than filing complaints at the global trade body.

"Piracy and counterfeiting do exist in China, but this does not justify the US' move to file a complaint at the WTO," said Wang at a press briefing hosted by the State Council Information Office on IPR protection in the country.