Wondering what’s going on with Chinese trade? We’ve got you covered.
Why am I suddenly hearing so much about trade with China?
On Monday, the president asked U. S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to look into alleged Chinese violations of U. S. trade agreements.
Related: Trump White House to look into China’s trade practices
What is the issue?
Lighthizer has been tasked with figuring out if an investigation is needed into allegations that China stole valuable commercial secrets from American companies doing business in China, or forced them to share plans for innovation.
U. S. companies say that China forces them to give up trade secrets in exchange for access to the country’s sizable market. Think tanks, industry groups and the U. S. government contend that Beijing is also hacking and spying its way to the top of the high-tech industry. China denies it all.
Related: How China squeezes tech secrets from U. S. companies
So that means … tariffs?
No. The president’s memo doesn’t mean an official investigation is underway — yet. Lighthizer will recommend an official probe if needed. If that happens, and if the government finds evidence of wrongdoing, then Trump could impose tariffs on Chinese imports.
