China’s Ministry of Commerce expressed regret on Saturday at the US for filing a challenge at the World Trade Organization (WTO), saying China has always respected WTO rules.

China has attached attention to the intellectual property rights (IPRs) protection with consistent practice, and the achievement has been acknowledged by international society, the ministry said in a statement released on its website.

“China has taken effective measures on IPRs for both domestic and foreign stakeholders”, the statement said.

The ministry also said it will initiate appropriate procedures in accordance with the WTO regulations to deal with the US request for consultations.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer filed the request at the WTO to address “discriminatory technology licensing requirements” on Friday.