China is the biggest victim of rising protectionism, Yu Jianhua, an official of China’s commerce ministry, said at a Sept. 24 news briefing before the G20 summit in Pittsburgh.
Yu, director of the Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs of the ministry, said trade remedy cases against China have increased 120 percent year-on-year to 79 in the first eight months of 2009, with the monetary amount involved at US$ 10 billion.
"Unfortunately, 90 percent of the cases are launched by G20 countries," he added.
Yu said it is not "surprising" that there are trade frictions between China and the United States because China’s international trade is a large part of its economy, but added that the key to resolving disputes lies in friendly negotiations under the framework of World Trade Organization rules.
Yu said he expects to hear "clearer voices" in the G20 summit. "China is firmly against protectionism, and welcomes resolutions championing fair and open trade," he said.
Yu also called on trading partners to avoid sending protectionist signals while the global economic recovery remains unstable with downward pressures on growth continuing.
"We hope they not only avoid actions violating WTO rules, but also avoid abuse of the measures allowed by these rules," Yu said.
US President Barack Obama on Sept. 11 approved special safeguard duties on passenger and light truck tires from China. Under the commitments China made when it entered the WTO in 2001, trading partners may take protective measures against Chinese exports.
Responding to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s request to increase imports, Yu said China has never intentionally pursued a trade surplus. "We have been seeking import opportunities, especially in the financial crisis," he added.
责任编辑：mman
