on Tuesday, after U.S. President Donald Trump authorised an inquiry into China's alleged theft of intellectual property. on Tuesdaythat trade and North Korea should not be linked, but that the investigation was a "measured and necessary step". BEIJING: China will take action to defend its interests if the United States damages trade ties, the Ministry of Commerce saidTrump's move, the first direct trade measure by his administration against China, comes at a time of heightened tension over North Korea 's nuclear ambitions, though it is unlikely to prompt near-term change in commercial ties.U.S. "If the U.S. side ignores the facts, and disrespects multilateral trade principles in taking actions that harms both sides trade interests, China will absolutely not sit by and watch, will inevitably adopt all appropriate measures, and resolutely safeguard China's lawful rights. They are prepared, aware and ready for these types of actions going forward.

Source: Economic Times August 15, 2017 03:45 UTC