From July 15 to October 25, China starts a 100-day campaign that targets street vendors, underground shops and warehouses selling and storing pirated DVDs and software.

The new anti-piracy fight is aimed at investigating and shutting down establishments engaged in producing, selling, renting and selling pirated audio-video products and computer software, and to severely punish those involved in these activities, according to the National Anti-Pornography and Anti-Piracy Office.

The campaign was developed and will be launched by 10 ministries and national departments, including the Ministry of Public Security, State Administration of Press and Publication, National Copyright Administration, Ministry of Culture.

"The campaign aims to clean up the audio-video and software market and to raise the awareness of both businesses and the public of the importance of fighting piracy," the national office said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 14, 2006)