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China trade: Microsoft “opens” Windows for security study

[February 28, 2003] -- China was added Friday to the list of governments now allowed controlled access to Microsoft Windows source code. The move is said to be another step in helping to allay governments’ concerns about the security of the Windows platform.

Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates, now visiting Beijing, China, briefed Chinese President Jiang Zemin on the agreement signed between Microsoft and the China Information Technology Security Certification Center at the Chinese State Development & Planning Commission.

''We see this agreement as a significant step forward in Microsoft's relations with the Chinese government,'' said Gates.

Microsoft earlier launched the Government Security Program (GSP) in an effort to provide national governments with controlled access to Microsoft Windows source code and other technical information they need to be confident in the security of the Windows platform. Russia, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United Kingdom announced GSP agreements with Microsoft last month.

''Microsoft has taken a great step forward to let us understand its product security,'' said Dr. Wu ShiZhong, director of the China certification center.