Those, according to Bhatia, need to be addressed through such means as WTO
dispute settlement proceedings. He refused to name specific issues in which the
United States thinks it has a strong case at the global trade body.
Bhatia dismissed worries that a more vigorous enforcement effort would upset
the bilateral relationship, or even lead to a trade war.
"My answer is no. Trade wars arise when you don't have dispute settlement
mechanisms," he said.
Bhatia also warned about the threat of protectionism in both countries.
"In the US, there are those on both sides of the political spectrum who seek
to close down the US market to China," he said.
In recent months, legislation has been proposed in the United States such as
imposing high tariffs on Chinese imports unless Beijing revalued its currency
that could have a serious adverse effect on Sino-US trade and investment.
In China, there are numerous voices calling for new policies and regulations
to restrict market access to foreign firms, particularly in the services sector.
There are also growing calls to provide protection and other forms of government
support to domestic companies, said Bhatia.
He said the United States looks forward to overcoming new challenges and
creating even stronger commercial and political ties in the years to come.
"If this is to be the Pacific century, both China and
the United State will play important roles," he said.