US wants "significant structural change" in trade relationship with China, Lighthizer says

The US administration seeks "significant structural changes" in its trade relationship with China, America's trade czar told Congress.

Speaking to the US House of Representative's Ways and Means committee, the country's Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, said: "This administration is pressing for significant structural changes that would allow for a more level playing field, especially when it comes to issues of intellectual property rights and technology transfers."

Lighthizer went on to say that the "serious" issues between the two countries go beyond a need for increased purchases of US goods.

He also emphasised the importance of any trade deal being enforceable, citing how in the past some promises had not been kept and going on to say that "much still needs to be done, both before an agreement is reached, and more importantly, after it is reached."

In his remarks he did however confirm that talks had taken place regarding the need for Beijing to avoid weakening its currency and that the agreements reached would be "enforceable".

Nevertheless, Lighthizer went on to add that: "there's no agreement on anything until there's agreement on everything."