Japan officials voice concerns over China's new IT certification system

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TOKYO, April 24 Kyodo -
Japanese officials on Friday voiced grave concerns over China's planned
compulsory certification of information technology security products, which
could allow the country to obtain intellectual property through its screening
of foreign products.
Japan is expected to take advantage of Prime Minister Taro Aso's scheduled
talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao next week as well
as other opportunities to urge China to reconsider the new compulsory
certification system.
''The system could have adverse effects on smooth trade relations between Japan
and China or China's industrial development,'' Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo
Kawamura told a press conference.
China has informed Japan of a plan to release details of the compulsory
certification system for IT security products by May 1, the top Japanese
spokesman said.
The system is expected to require exporters of telecommunications network
firewalls and other software products to China to obtain product certification
there, allowing Chinese officials to screen these products and obtain
industrial secrets.
''This may be among matters of concern to Japan'' to be taken up at the
Japan-China summit talks, said Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Toshihiro
Nikai, adding he believes it is ''important'' for Aso to mention the issue when
he meets the Chinese leaders.
Japanese, U.S. and European industries have indicated their strong concerns
over the planned Chinese system. In March, the Chinese government offered to
postpone the system's initiation that had been planned for May.
==Kyodo