U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on Monday promised a “thorough investigation” of China’s actions relating to copyright and intellectual property following a directive from President Trump to investigate piracy by the Asian nation.
“The United States has for many years been facing a very serious problem. China industrial policies and other practices reportedly have forced the transfer of vital U.S. technology to Chinese companies. We will engage in a thorough investigation and, if needed, take action to preserve the future of U.S. industry. Thousands of jobs are at stake for our workers and for future generations. This will be one of USTR’s highest priorities, and we will report back to the president as soon as possible,” Lighthizer said.
Trump has long accused China of manipulating and otherwise violating international rules on trade and commerce and called for tougher U.S. policies to address those actions. In a press event Monday, Trump told Lighthizer he was “empowered to consider all available options at your disposal.” The probe is expected to take a year to complete. Lighthizer was picked by Trump to head the trade representative’s office largely because he shares the president’s views on the matter.
The Chamber of Commerce, the nation’s leading business lobby, called on the White House to be “prudent” and for the two governments to work together. “If the U.S.-China relationship is to deliver mutually beneficial growth, U.S. firms must enjoy the same broad, secure access to the Chinese market that Chinese firms already enjoy to the United States. Equally important, China must end forced technology transfer and protect foreign-owned intellectual property rights within China,” said Myron Brilliant, the Chamber’s executive vice president and head of international affairs.
The administration has not been as aggressive toward China as Trump indicated he would be while running for office. In April, the Treasury Department officially declared that, contrary to what Trump frequently said on the campaign trail, that none of the countries that the U.S. trades with, including China, is artificially manipulating its currency.
