CHINA warned the US yesterday against launching a “protectionist” probe into Beijing’s trade rules forcing foreign firms to transfer technology.

Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng said Washington was disrupting the international trading order by carrying out the “Section 301” investigation under its own laws instead of through the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

“If the United States insists on unilateral and protectionist practices that will undermine the interests of China, we will take all necessary measures and resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of China,” he said.