National Post (National Edition)
Trump eyes probe of technology to China
U.S. President Donald Trump asked his top trade official to consider investigating China over how it handles intellectual property, adding to the list of trade irritants between the world’s two biggest economies.
Trump signed an executive memorandum on Monday directing U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to consider investigating China over its IP policies, especially the practice of forcing U.S. companies operating in China to transfer technological know-how.
“It’s my duty and responsibility to protect the American workers’ technology and industry from unfair and abusive actions,” Trump said at the White House. “We will stand up to any country that unlawfully forces American companies to transfer their valuable technology as a condition of market access. We will combat the counterfeiting and piracy that destroys American jobs.”
If China is found to be flouting the rules on U.S. intellectual property, the administration has a range of options, including imposing import tariffs, according to administration officials, who spoke to reporters Saturday on the condition of anonymity. If USTR moves forward, the investigation could take as long as a year.
“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,” Lighthizer said in a statement, adding that the review will be one of USTR’s highest priorities.
However, the top Democrat in the Senate said the president hasn’t yet matched his tough talk on China with action. “To make an announcement that they’re going to decide whether to have an investigation on China’s well-documented theft of our intellectual property is another signal to China that it is OK to keep stealing,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement.