US pledges to press China on WTO compliance

The US Trade Representative Ron Kirk called on Beijing to respect WTO rules in an interview on Friday, The Wall Street Journal reported. Kirk followed President Barack Obama and Commerce Secretary John Bryson in criticizing China’s trade policies. “It does seem to be a continuation of a troubling pattern by China of retaliating not just against the US, but members of the WTO who exercise our lawful rights,” Kirk said. “We will be vigilant in holding China accountable and once we’ve had an opportunity to examine this latest action we’ll take appropriate steps to protect our interests.” Kirk also expressed optimism that the Jackson-Vanik amendment limiting trade with non-market economies could be lifted in the first quarter of 2012.