BEIJING – China’s commerce ministry announced Friday it has opened two investigations examining US trade practices that restrict Chinese goods from entering American markets, choosing to pursue formal inquiries rather than immediate retaliatory action against recent US measures.
The announcement comes as a trade ceasefire between the two economic powers remains intact following the October meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump announced earlier this week plans to visit Beijing in mid-May as part of Washington’s broader strategy to rebuild relationships across the Asia-Pacific region.
According to the ministry’s statement, both Chinese investigations will wrap up within six months, though officials indicated the timeline could be extended if needed. The probes directly respond to two US Section 301 investigations targeting China, with the ministry characterizing their actions as reciprocal measures.
Chinese officials stated they will implement appropriate actions to protect their national interests based on what the investigations uncover.
The US initiated two trade inquiries earlier this month, examining excessive industrial capacity among 16 trading partners, including China, alongside concerns about forced labor practices. During bilateral trade discussions in Paris, Chinese representatives voiced objections to these investigations.
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reiterated these concerns Thursday while meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during a World Trade Organization gathering in Cameroon. Despite expressing reservations, Wang indicated China’s openness to enhancing economic and trade partnerships between the nations.
