U.S. formally launches probe of China's intellectual property practices

The United States on Friday formally launched an investigation into China's alleged theft of U.S. intellectual property, a widely expected move following a call from President Donald Trump earlier this week to determine whether a probe was needed. The probe is the administration's first direct measure against Chinese trade practices, which the White House and U.S. business groups say are bruising American industry. "After consulting with stakeholders and other government agencies, I have determined that these critical issues merit a thorough investigation," U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, the nation's top trade negotiator, said in a statement.