Summary Box: China cracks down on copyright crimes

THE NEWS: China promised tougher enforcement against illegal copying of movies, music and other goods that has added to tensions with Washington and hurt fledgling Chinese producers.

THE BACKGROUND: Beijing has launched repeated crackdowns, but foreign governments and trade groups say its enforcement has not been strict enough.

SENSITIVE TIMING: The announcement comes ahead of a visit to Washington by Chinese President Hu Jintao next week. Piracy is a sensitive issue at a time when Washington and other governments want to boost exports and create jobs.