Linda Sánchez: “China Must Live Up to Its Trade Obligations”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-39) issued the following statement today in response to the 301 petition filed by the United Steelworkers union accusing China of violating trade laws and threatening the success of clean energy manufacturing in the U.S.

"Americans are tired of watching good manufacturing jobs being sent to China. For too long, the U.S. has practiced ‘free trade,' while China has engaged in ‘cheating,' illegal subsidies, and unfair discrimination against American firms and American goods. I applaud the United Steelworkers for standing up for American workers and producers and urge the Administration to accept this petition and act to support America's budding clean technology industries."

Read the New York Times article on this by clicking here.

The United Steelworkers filed a petition under section 301 of the Trade Act on September 9, alleging that several of China's practices with respect to green energy technology directly violate its obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The petition alleges that China employs a range of aggressive policies to stimulate and protect its green technology producers, including unfair performance requirements for investors; discrimination against foreign firms and goods; WTO-prohibited subsidies for advanced technologies; and trade-distorting domestic subsidies. The petition further alleges that these policies help Chinese companies expand their share of green technology at the expense of jobs in the United States and in violation of WTO rules.

If the United States Trade Representative determines that an investigation is appropriate, it must then initiate dispute settlement procedures with China at the WTO. Successful dispute settlement would level the playing field for American producers.

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