President Trump Orders An Inquiry Into Chinese Trade Practices On Intellectual Property

Reuters: Trump orders probe of China's intellectual property practices

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Monday authorized an inquiry into China's alleged theft of intellectual property in the first direct trade measure by his administration against Beijing, but one that is unlikely to prompt near-term change.

Trump broke from his 17-day vacation in New Jersey to sign the memo in the White House at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing over North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

The investigation is likely to cast a shadow over relations with China, the largest U.S. trading partner, just as Trump is asking Beijing to step up pressure against Pyongyang.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will have a year to look into whether to launch a formal investigation of China's trade policies on intellectual property, which the White House and U.S. industry lobby groups say are harming U.S. businesses and jobs.

Trump called the inquiry "a very big move."

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WNU Editor: An inquiry into determining if there should be a more serious inquiry. I am underwhelmed.

More News On President Trump Ordering An Inquiry Into Chinese Trade Practices On Intellectual Property

Trump authorises possible China trade investigation -- BBC
Trump launches US probe into ‘unlawful’ China trade practices, raising spectre of trade war -- SCMP
Trump Cautious on China Inquiry Over Intellectual Property Theft -- NYT
Trump signs memo on Chinese trade practices -- The Hill
Donald Trump signs memo directing probe into China's trade practices -- Sydney Morning Herald