商务部：美国对华启动301调查将对外发出错误信号

A container ship docks at the Port of Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Ministry of Commerce expressed its strong discontent with the United States' move on Friday to initiate an investigation under section 301 of Trade Act of 1974, saying the US neglected the World Trade Organization's rules and conducted unilateral and trade protectionism acts.

China and the US have been making concrete progress in carrying out constructive negotiations in the fields of trade, investment and economic policies after the two countries' heads of state met in Florida in early April.

It will send a wrong signal to the world that launching a probe under Section 301 will affect US businesses' interests and global trade orders, the ministry said in a statement.

China will take appropriate measures to defend the country's lawful interests, and the US should respect the facts and act prudently, the ministry said.