China: loosen hi-tech export

Locke said trade disputes are a "natural part" of bilateral trade ties and "the US is not engaged in protectionism."

Several agreements related to clean-energy technologies will be signed between China and the US during Obama's visit, Locke said.

Direct investment from the US to China was $2.83 billion in the first 10 months, ranking fifth in terms of amount after individual investments in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and Singapore, according to figures released by Ministry of Commerce yesterday.

Foreign direct investment in China continued to grow in October for the third consecutive month, indicating that China remains buoyant on the prospects of attracting foreign funds.

China's foreign direct investment increased to $7.1 billion in October, up 5.7 percent over the previous year. More than 18,000 foreign-invested companies were approved in the first ten months, down 20.1 percent year on year, involving investments worth $70.9 billion.