Commerce Minister Chen Deming said Thursday that he hopes the United States can provide a fair and just investment environment for Chinese companies.

Addressing a news briefing for the fourth round of China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogues, Chen urged the U.S. not to erect barriers to Chinese investment on the grounds of safety.

With regard to China's investment environment, the minister said he has noticed that some U.S. businessmen still have concerns about investing in China.

"On one hand, they worry about a possible economic hard landing in China. On the other hand, their fears are also a result of politicians and media hype," Chen said, pledging to continue to improve the country's investment environment.

The minister said some U.S. companies have misunderstandings about China's investment climate.

"China has promised not to use technology transfers as a requirement when approving foreign investment. We hope U.S. companies will not view technology transfer demands during business negotiations as forced transfers required by the government," Chen said.

He said most U.S. companies remain bullish on China, as the nation has been the biggest source of profits for U.S. companies for two consecutive years.

The minister said he hopes China and the U.S. will hold the seventh round of technical-level negotiations on a two-way investment protection agreement soon.