U.S. officials confirmed Saturday that the....>

CHINA: U.S. officials confirmed Saturday that the U.S. will announce Monday an

investigation into China's trade practices on intellectual property rights,

according to both Chinese and American media sources. Reuters and Politico cited

U.S. officials saying in a conference call that the decision was not related to

the North Korea problem. On the Chinese side, the Securities Daily reported

Monday that the U.S. would negotiate with China to reduce trade barriers imposed

on the U.S. imports or seek compensation, Section 301 of U.S. trade law, which

would allow the U.S. to impose unilateral trade sanctions. Bai Ming, vice

chairman of international market research department under the Chinese Academy

of International Trade and Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Commerce told

the Securities Daily the U.S. is very likely to try to demonstrate its

deterrence but would also balance the benefits and disadvantages of its trade

action because the U.S. does not want to "give up on the Chinese market which is

growing continuously." He also expects the U.S. will change its attitude

frequently during the process.