China's Commerce Ministry reacts to US '301' probe

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The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has responded to the US trade representative's decision last Friday to formally initiate an investigation into China's intellectual property (IP) practices. The investigation falls under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974.

The Ministry of Commerce, in a statement on Thursday, asserted that the US ignored World Trade Organization rules while launching the Section 301 investigation through its domestic law, which is in violation of the current international trading practices.

President Donald Trump finishes signing a memorandum directing the US Trade Representative to complete a review of trade issues with China at the White House in Washington, US August 14, 2017. /CFP Photo

"China expresses deep dissatisfaction with the US decision, which advocates unilateralism and protectionism. The government will take all necessary measures to firmly protect the legitimate rights of China and Chinese enterprises," said Gao Feng, spokesman for the ministry.

Stressing that the common economic and trade interests between US and China score over their differences, he said the ministry expressed hope that the current issue will be resolved amicably.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has responded to the US trade representative's decision last Friday to formally initiate an investigation into China's intellectual propery (IP) practices. /CGTN Photo

"Cooperation is the best way to resolve the divergences. Beijing hopes that the US will continuously make efforts with China," Gao said.

"Based on the positive results of the China-US 100 Day Action Plan, Beijing hopes the two sides can achieve more fruitful results by facilitating the one-year economic cooperation plan," the spokesman added.

The ministry also expressed hope that the China-US economic and trade relations can move in the direction of being healthy and stable, so that people and enterprises of both the countries benefit from their cooperation.

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