US Attorney General Eric Holder answers a question during a press briefing at US Embassy in Beijing on October 21. China and the U.S. expect closer cooperation in fighting intellectual property violations. [Elaine Duan/China.org.cn]

China and the United States have the need to work together to combat intellectual property theft, US Attorney General Eric Holder said Thursday during a press briefing at the US Embassy in Beijing, which reinforces commitments made by Presidents Hu and Obama last November to increase cooperation on issues important to both nations.

"Both governments must share information in a timely and meaningful manner, and both governments must respond to requests for assistance from the other in good faith and with due speed," Holder said.

The both sides pledged closer cooperation to achieve tangible results. Holder said protection of intellectual property rights is a priority for the Obama administration, and the two countries have undertaken joint investigations of intellectual property offenses in the past.

Earlier this week, the Chinese government launched a six-month campaign against intellectual property violations to crack down pirated goods. Holder said he was "heartened" to see the move and hoped it could be continued beyond that period.

Asked about Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, a convicted criminal in Chinese courts but viewed in the West as a political prisoner, Holder said he discussed Liu with Chinese officials in Beijing. The US has urged his release.

Holder said this is an area in which the United States and China have a "fundamental disagreement."

But he went on to say it was not a dominant topic and added that "given the nature of the Chinese-American relationship and the importance of that relationship, there are going to be areas upon which we will simply not agree."

Despite disagreement over Liu's case, Holder pointed out it "doesn't mean the relationship shouldn't go forward, and shouldn't be seen as a priority for both our nations." He characterized the Sino-US relationship as positive.

Over the past two days in Beijing, Holder discussed with Chinese counterparts how to fight intellectual property offenses, transnational crimes and terrorism. He believed both sides have made progress in those areas.

Holder also confirmed that President Hu is scheduled to visit Washington in January, but he refused to give a specific date or other details.