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Kirk vows to improve trade ties, ensure exporters' rights

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-06-03 14:14

US Trade Representative Ron Kirk said on Tuesday that the Obama administration will improve relationship with China, but he also warned that US will not hesitate to enforce trade rules with China when necessary.

"China is one of our most important trading partners," Kirk said in a speech to the US-China Business Council, noting that improving the relationship with China will benefit both the United States and China.

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But he also vowed that the USTR will "move much more aggressively to ensure the rights of the American exporters."

"If we can do it by trade diplomacy, we will. If we have to file at the WTO, we'll file," he said. "And as appropriate, the US will also apply trade remedies fully and fairly as provided for under WTO rules."

China has expressed concerns over the rising protectionism in the United States, which has filed seven WTO cases against China.

During talks with visiting US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Tuesday called on both countries to work more closely to address the global economic downturn and oppose protectionism in trade and investment.