BEIJING — China has granted President Trump preliminary approval for another trademark in apparel, expanding business interests that have already generated criticism over potential conflicts.

Mr. Trump, the businessman, has collected trademarks that span a broad range of countries and industries, including soap in India and vodka in Israel. With the latest approval in China, Mr. Trump could bring his total trademarks in the country to 116, giving his business empire greater access to the world’s second-largest economy.

But the globalist approach runs counter to a populist president who has pushed a nationalistic agenda. The portfolio of trademarks could also leave Mr. Trump vulnerable to perception problems, as well as potential conflicts.

He applied for the trademark in June 2016, the same month that, as a presidential candidate, he said he would label China a currency manipulator. Since then, Mr. Trump has reversed his position and has taken a less confrontational stance with China, particularly after meeting with the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, in April.