WASHINGTON, D.C. ? The Bush administration on Friday rejected a petition by American unions seeking an investigation into Chinese labor practices, arguing that there was evidence Chinese practices were improving.

The decision turned down a request filed in June by the AFL-CIO and two members of Congress who contended the Chinese were violating international labor standards and these practices had meant the loss of 1.24 million American jobs as U.S. companies moved plants to China.

In a statement issued by the office of U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab, the administration said efforts with China were helping to improve Chinese labor conditions.