Beijing, March 22 (RHC) -- China will "take all necessary measures" to defend its rights and interests, an official with the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday, responding to media reports that the United States will soon release results of a Section 301 investigation against China.

"China will absolutely not sit back watching its rights and interests be damaged," said an unnamed official in charge of the ministry's treaty and law department.

In August 2017, the United States initiated an investigation into Chinese intellectual property and technology transfers under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Media reports said that the U.S. administration would soon make public the investigation results and impose restrictive measures on China.

Since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1979, bilateral trade has surged 232 times, and total two-way investment has exceeded 230 billion dollars.

U.S. industries have expressed worries about the unilateral actions taken by the United States, with 45 business associations having already expressed their opposition.

On Wednesday, the WTO ruled that 11 U.S. anti-subsidy measures are against its rules.