At a Jan. 31 press conference, the Alliance for American Manufacturing -- a group of American suppliers and unions -- alleged that China's subsidies targeted at the auto industry have hurt U.S. manufacturers.

According to the alliance, 1.6 million U.S. automotive jobs are threatened by China's illegal trade practices and federal action is needed to protect the U.S. auto industry's recovery.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and other congressmen participated in the press conference, and they have called for an anti-dumping investigation.

China's commerce ministry warned last week that the U.S. government likely would target imported engines, electronics and tires in its anti-dumping probe.

"Relevant trade bodies and enterprises should closely monitor the situation and prepare to respond" to the investigation, the ministry advised.

China has exported $62 billion (391 billion yuan) in auto parts since 2001, increasing the United States' automotive parts trade deficit with China by 850 percent, according to the group.

The Alliance is stepping up its call for action prior to the Feb. 14 visit of Xi Jinping, China's vice president, to Washington for meetings with President Barack Obama on a range of issues.