Trump to ask USTR to investigate China's intellectual property theft
President Donald Trump will ask the U.S. Trade Representative to launch a Section 302(b) investigation into China's technology transfer policies Monday. The requested investigation will focus on China's intellectual property theft and requirements that force American companies to share advanced technologies in return for access to China's market.
Said Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) President Scott Paul:
"China hasn't just taken our jobs; it has stolen America's innovations. Monday's memo is an important first step, but it won't mean much without quick, measurable action.
"President Trump has repeatedly promised to crack down on China's predatory trade practices, but his administration continues to delay action. China was not labeled a currency manipulator, and workers are still waiting to hear if the administration will stop foreign steel imports that threaten national security and critical infrastructure.
"Steel imports are up 18 percent since the Administration announced its Section 232 investigation in April. Unless the Administration swiftly concludes its security review, steel jobs are at risk. Similarly, don't expect China to scale back its destructive technology transfer practices unless there are consequences at the end of this new investigation."