Last week, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that it would formally begin an investigation into lower-cost wind towers entering the U.S. market from China and Vietnam. The investigation could lead to significant tariffs that may ultimately lead to higher development costs in the U.S.

Much like China did after the U.S. officially began its solar trade investigation, government officials warned that a new wind energy probe would deepen the rift between the two nations over clean energy competition.

"This investigation will not only be harmful to the development of Sino-US new-energy cooperation; it will harm the interests of the U.S. industry, and is not in line with global efforts on climate change and energy security," China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

A preliminary ruling in the solar case is expected in mid-February. In the wind case, the U.S. International Trade Commission is expected to determine whether there is injury at some point in February and the DOC is expected to issue a preliminary determination by June.

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