Trump 'could trigger a trade war' with China
China's government has appealed to President Donald Trump to avoid a 'trade war' amid rumors of a probe into whether China is stealing U.S. technology.
US officials say the President will today consider whether to launch the investigation.
If a probe is ordered, investigators will examine allegations of intellectual theft under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
US officials say the President will today consider whether to launch the investigation into alleged intellectual property theft
But Beijing has warned there would be serious implications if Trump takes this approach.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters: 'There is no future and no winner in a trade war and both sides will be the losers.
'As we have emphasized for many times, the nature of China-U.S. trade relations is mutual benefit and win-win.
'Considering the importance of the China-US relations, China is willing to make joint efforts with the United States to keep trade and economic relations on sustained, healthy and stable development on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.'
Donald Trump, pictured with Chinese President Xi Jinping in July, is considering launching an investigation which officials warn could trigger a trade war between the two countries
Earlier today, a state newspaper, the China Daily, said Trump's possible decision to launch an investigation could 'intensify tensions,' especially over intellectual property.
A decision to use the law to rebalance trade with China 'could trigger a trade war,' said the commentary under the name of researcher Mei Xinyu of the ministry's International Trade and Economic Cooperation Institute.
'And the inquiry the U.S. administration has ordered into China's trade policies, if carried out, could intensify tensions, especially on intellectual property rights,' the commentary said.
It gave no indication of how Beijing might respond but Chinese law gives regulators broad discretion over what foreign companies can do in China.
If an investigation begins, Washington could seek remedies either through the World Trade Organization or outside of it.
Previous U.S. actions directed at China under the 1974 law had little effect, said the China Daily. It noted that China has grown to become the biggest exporter and has the world's largest foreign exchange reserves.
'The use of Section 301 by the U.S. will not have much impact on China's progress toward stronger economic development and a better future,' said the newspaper.