The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has responded to the US trade representative's decision last Friday to formally initiate an investigation into China's intellectual property (IP) practices. The investigation falls under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974.

The Ministry of Commerce, in a statement on Thursday, asserted that the US ignored World Trade Organization rules while launching the Section 301 investigation through its domestic law, which is in violation of the current international trading practices.

The Chinese ministry said that Beijing considered the US action as a symbol of unilateralism and protectionism. The statement also said that Beijing will take all necessary measures to firmly protect the legitimate rights of China and Chinese enterprises.

Stressing that the common economic and trade interests between US and China score over their differences, the ministry expressed hope that the current issue will be resolved amicably.

"Cooperation is the best way to resolve the divergences. Beijing hopes that the US will continuously make efforts with China," the statement said.

"Based on the positive results of the China-US 100 Day Action Plan, Beijing hopes the two sides can achieve more fruitful results by facilitating the one-year economic cooperation plan," it added

The ministry also expressed hope that the China-US economic and trade relations can move in the direction of being healthy and stable, so that people and enterprises of both the countries benefit from their cooperation.