Lu Yongxiang (R), vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, shakes hands with Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer in Beijing, Nov. 7, 2007. (Xinhua Photo)

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BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Lu Yongxiang, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, met here Wednesday with Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer.

Lu said China attaches great importance to the development of information industry and the protection of intellectual property rights.

China hopes Microsoft could further deepen and expand its exchanges and cooperation with Chinese companies, Lu said.

Ballmer said Microsoft will expand its business in China so as to advance a stable development of the U.S.-China economic and trade relations.