China will use 'all necessary means' against US trade probe

Commerce ministry adds to previous condemnation of plans by Trump administration to investigate alleged theft of US intellectual property

China will use all necessary means to defend the interests of the country and its companies against a US trade investigation, the Beijing government has warned.

China's commerce ministry has already expressed "strong dissatisfaction" with the US launch of an inquiry into alleged theft of US intellectual property, calling it "irresponsible".