WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Media reported last week that China had given preliminary approval for a total of 38 new trademarks linked to Trump. Last month, China registered a Trump construction services trademark.
"I believe that if your [Senator Debbie Stabenow] concern is that the President [Trump] would somehow not defend America against China because of trademarks, I want to let you be reassured that’s not the case," Lighthizer said on Tuesday.
Lighthizer claimed that the Trump administration was going to “change the paradigm on China."
Engaging Beijing should be a priority for the Trump Administration given that China is a big part of America’s trade deficit issues, he added.
"If you look at our trade deficit as an indicator… China is a good part of our problem,” Lighthizer said on Tuesday. “I think we have to engage China."
Lighthizer noted that Trump is “completely” committed to the America first agenda and getting the best business deals for American workers.
If confirmed, his nomination will go to the full senate for vote.
Lighthizer previously served as Deputy Trade Representative under President Ronald Reagan and was chief of staff of the US Senate Finance Committee during the administration of President Ronald Reagan.