Update | China warns it will respond if Trump investigation harms trading links
Beijing says it will defend its economic interests after president signals he will act over ‘theft’ of American companies’ intellectual property
China will take action to defend its interests if the United States damages trade ties, the Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday, after US President Donald Trump authorised an inquiry into China’s alleged theft of intellectual property.
Trump’s move, the first direct trade measure by his administration against China, comes at a time of heightened tension over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, although it is unlikely to prompt near-term change in commercial ties.
US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will have a year to look into whether to launch a formal investigation of China’s policies on intellectual property, which the White House and US industry groups say are harming American businesses and jobs.
The United States should respect objective facts, act prudently, abide by its World Trade Organisation pledges and not destroy principles of multilateralism, an unidentified spokesman at China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.
“If the US side ignores the facts and disrespects multilateral trade principles in taking actions that harms both sides trade interests, China will absolutely not sit by and watch, will inevitably adopt all appropriate measures and resolutely safeguard China’s lawful rights.”