U.S. Opens Section 301 Probe Into China’s Phase One Compliance Ahead of Trump–Xi Talks

Overview

• The U.S. Trade Representative launched a Section 301 investigation into apparent Chinese noncompliance with the 2020 Phase One deal.
• A Federal Register notice invites public comments from Oct. 31 to Dec. 1 and sets a public hearing for Dec. 16.
• The probe examines purchase shortfalls and policy commitments on intellectual property, forced technology transfer, agriculture and financial services.
• Findings could support new or higher tariffs, offering an alternative basis if the Supreme Court curtails tariffs tied to emergency powers after Nov. 5 arguments.
• The move lands just before rare‑earth and export‑control talks in Kuala Lumpur and a planned Trump–Xi meeting in South Korea, with tensions elevated by recent U.S. tech restrictions and China’s rare‑earth controls.