(CNN) -- You know the presidential election is in full swing when politicians are getting tough on China. While both Democrats and Republicans promise to do just that, it is the Obama administration, being in the driver's seat, that has been leading the charge. On Monday, the Obama administration filed a trade case against China at the World Trade Organization, arguing that it provides subsidies to its auto and auto parts industries that hurt American manufacturers. If you had any doubts that the new complaint against unfair Chinese trade practices is part and parcel of the election campaign, consider these factors.
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This week, President Obama announced a trade complaint against China
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Oded Shenkar says politicians tend to get tough on China in election season
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He says Obama is tackling Chinese auto subsidies to appeal to Ohio voters
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Shenkar: U.S. had plenty of opportunities to deal with unfair Chinese trade practices
Likewise, the administration has done little to offer vigorous protection of @placeholder intellectual property rights, which impacts a much broader array of U.S. business interests.