The US is making a new push to address alleged intellectual property issues with China, Kallanish learns from a US Trade Representative release.

Under the aegis of a section 301 investigation, President Donald Trump has asked US Trade Representative ambassador Robert Lighthizer to put together a list of proposed products and tariffs on Chinese goods that are at risk for intellectual property violations within 15 days. 

“President Trump has made it clear we must insist on fair and reciprocal trade with China and strictly enforce our laws against unfair trade. This requires taking effective action to confront China over its state-led efforts to force, strong-arm, and even steal US technology and intellectual property,” says Ambassador Lighthizer in the release. “Years of talking about these problems with China has not worked. The United States is committed to using all available tools to respond to China’s unfair, market-distorting behavior. China’s unprecedented and unfair trade practices are a serious challenge not just to the United States, but to our allies and partners around the world.”

In a 22 March hearing with the Senate Finance Committee, Lighthizer said there are at least 10 areas of concern that he gleaned from China’s published 2025 market goals – or its ‘Made in China 2025’ initiative.

Those areas include automated tools and robotics; aerospace and maritime equipment; alternative fuel automobiles; rail; agriculture; and medical.

Ambassador Lighthizer provided the caveat that tariffs may not necessarily change the US’ fundamental relationship with China, even if section 301 measures are put into effect. The only thing the US can do is protect its interests, he says.

“China is still going to be a market-driven communist country,” he told the Senate Finance Committee. “They’re not going to be like us.”