US takes on China purchase restrictions

US Trade Representative Ron Kirk amplified the American rhetoric against China’s "indigenous innovation" policies on Tuesday, calling the government procurement policies "discrimination," reported the Wall Street Journal. The Chinese government loosened the regulations last month, eliminating some of the most onerous requirements forcing procured products to be completely independent of foreign companies, but the remaining policies are still considered to favor domestic firms. "We appreciate efforts China’s government has made to address our concern, but we have urged them to refrain from further steps down this path," said Kirk. Kirk also voiced his continuing concerns over the state of intellectual property in China, as well as the need for improved market access in order to finalize the Doha trade talks.