Donald Trump’s trade chief starts investigation into China’s ‘unreasonable’ practices
Analysts say it won’t be easy for US investigators looking into Chinese intellectual property policies
US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has begun a formal investigation into whether China’s intellectual property policies are “unreasonable or discriminatory”, but Chinese analysts say the US will have its work cut out.
“On Monday, President Trump instructed me to look into Chinese laws, policies and practices which may be harming American intellectual property rights, innovation or technology development,” Lighthizer said in an official announcement.
“After consulting with stakeholders and other government agencies, I have determined that these critical issues merit a thorough investigation. I notified the president that today I am beginning an investigation.”
Lu Xiang, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said it could be difficult for the US investigators to prove that China took advantage of its laws and policies to force US companies to transfer their technology given that, legally speaking, the definition of “coercive transfer” was vague.
“Of course there have been technology transfers between China and the US. But how do you determine whether they were voluntary or coerced? They will need US companies to provide proof,” Lu said, adding that if the US did find evidence it would pose a “new challenge” for China.