Alibaba and Tencent have been added to the "famous markets" list in the United States
Written byTimes Magazine
The United States has included websites belonging to Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Tencent on its "List of Famous Markets" of companies believed in counterfeit trade.
The list identifies 42 online sites and 35 physical stores, including e-commerce platforms, managed by the company. In addition, the United States Commerce Agency says it "engages in or facilitates the falsification of copyrighted or confidential material."
America and China are locked in a longstanding dispute over trade and technology. "The global trade in counterfeit and pirated goods is undermining critical US innovation and creativity and is hurting American workers," said Catherine Ty, US Trade Representative.
He called the sites "two major online marketplaces based in China that reportedly allow significant counterfeiting."
China-based online marketplaces Baidu Wangpan, DHGate, Pinduoduo, and Taobao, remain listed, he added, "as well as nine physical marketplaces in China that are known to manufacture, distribute and sell counterfeit goods."
The United States accuses China of "harming" workers through trade.
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Tencent said it had invested "significant resources" in protecting the intellectual property rights of its platform.
"We strongly disagree with the US Trade Representative's decision and are committed to working together to resolve this issue," a spokesperson said.
The list aims to protect American businesses and workers from the effects of cheap counterfeit goods, usually manufactured outside the United States. Washington and Beijing remain locked in a dispute over tariffs, technology, and intellectual property.
Tensions between the world's two largest economies escalated again this week. In its annual report released Wednesday, USTR said China had repeatedly failed to meet its trade commitments despite being a member of the World Trade Organization. He also accused China of causing "serious harm" to workers and businesses worldwide with its trade policies.
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