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.

Microsoft inks with Chinese PC maker to pre-install Windows

    BEIJING, Nov. 7 -- Microsoft Corp. and China's No. 2 personal computer maker signed an agreement today to pre-install Microsoft's Windows operating system in PCs in a move to combat widespread Chinese product piracy.

    The agreement with Founder Technology Group Corp shows "the commitment of both companies to protect intellectual property rights" and promote the growth of China's information technology market, the companies said in a joint statement.

Microsoft fires chief information officer

    BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhuanet) -- Microsoft has fired its corporate vice president and chief information officer, Stuart Scott, for violating company policies, according to media reports.

    "We can confirm that Stuart Scott's employment with Microsoft has been terminated after an investigation for violation of company policies," a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement of the company.

Microsoft adds ESPN to Xbox features

    BEIJING, Nov. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- ESPN programming, including college basketball, is the latest feature to be added to the growing lineup of video content available to Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 video game console.

    Microsoft and ESPN said people can buy complete NCAA basketball and football games, the X Games sports competitions and programs such as ESPN's "Madden Nation," which chronicles a competition of "Madden NFL" video game players, from the Xbox Live website.