China's Counter-Probes: A New Chapter in US-China Trade Relations

China's commerce ministry has initiated two counter-investigations into United States practices that inhibit the flow of Chinese goods into the US, the ministry announced on Friday. This decision comes as a response, rather than an immediate retaliation, to US measures unveiled earlier in the month.

President Trump's anticipated visit to Beijing in mid-May marks an effort by Washington to reset Asia-Pacific relations. The Chinese probes, which are deemed reciprocal to recent U.S. Section 301 investigations, focus on practices affecting global supply chains and trade in green products, potentially impacting Chinese businesses if US restrictions persist.

The investigations are seen as a strategic move, prompted by US investigations into industrial capacity and forced labor. China's discussions with US representatives in Paris and at the WTO meeting in Cameroon underscore its concern, yet Beijing remains open to enhancing economic relations despite ongoing trade tensions.