China vows to act if the US damages trade ties

Beijing

CHINA will take action to defend its interests if the United States damages trade ties, Beijing's Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday, after US President Donald Trump authorised an inquiry into China's alleged theft of intellectual property (IP).

Mr Trump'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.