WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Trade Representative on Friday announced the start of an investigation into China's implementation of a trade deal signed during President Donald Trump's first term.

"The initiation of this investigation underscores the Trump Administration's resolve to hold China to its Phase One Agreement commitments, protect American farmers, ranchers, workers, and innovators, and establish a more reciprocal trade relationship with China for the benefit of the American people," USTR Jamieson Greer said in a statement.