Washington blames Chinese imports for the loss of 3 million manufacturing jobs in the U.S. and many in Congress say China competes unfairly, mainly by keeping its currency undervalued compared to the dollar.

The U.S. administration recently rejected a petition by American unions seeking an investigation into Chinese labor practices, arguing that there was evidence Chinese practices were improving.

Lavin, who is attending a series of meetings in China through next week, said he would seek progress in meetings with Chinese officials on irritants in the relationship, particularly copyright violation.

Lavin will be discussing limits to U.S. businesses and services in China, among the barriers he said that help create the damaging perception in America that China doesn't play fair. Such sentiments have undercut efforts by Chinese companies to enter the U.S. market, such as the failed attempt last year by state-controlled CNOOC Ltd. to buy Unocal Corp.

"If the Chinese market is perceived as unfair, if it's perceived as closed and we have a substantial trade deficit, these two factors together can feed an anti-Chinese sentiment in the United States, which I feel is unhealthy for both countries," Lavin said.

He also said he would argue in favor of bids by U.S. companies for chunks of Chinese firms, including a $3 billion offer by a consortium led by Citigroup Inc. for a stake in Guangdong Development Bank.

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