Flags of US and China are displayed at the American International Chamber of Commerce (AICC)'s booth during China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing, China, May 28, 2019. Photo: (REUTERS/Jason Lee)

The dispute began during the Obama era but reflects current White House complaints about the WTO.

US President Donald Trump said he expects to sign a significant part of a trade deal with China ahead of schedule but did not elaborate on the timing.