A US official has accused China of discriminating against foreign investors through policies and laws designed to favor Chinese firms, AFP reported. Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade Christopher Padilla, speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, pointed to China’s upcoming anti-monopoly law, which may contain exemptions for state-owned enterprises, and "opaque" foreign investment laws as proof that Beijing is increasing policies "that seek to direct markets rather than [open] them." Padilla also questioned China’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its exports, saying that Beijing’s response to last year’s product safety scandals did not inspire confidence. He said the US would continue its "economic engagement" policy with China and use leverage in the WTO to address these concerns.