China not pressuring EU members on solar panels

BRUSSELS - The Chinese Mission to the European Union said here Wednesday that it was based on their own judgments rather than pressured by China that some EU member states have decided to oppose a European Commission plan to levy tariffs on Chinese solar panels.

"Some EU member states' choices were based on their own rational judgments," said a spokeswoman from the Chinese mission.

She made the remarks following EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht on Tuesday claimed that China is trying to "influence and scare off" member states before the EC verdict on the plan.

The spokeswoman said that China has close economic and trade relations with EU member states and it is a common practice that they exchange views on related issues. "But, we will never influence and scare off anyone."

She noted that practices of trade protectionism can only weaken the economic growth momentum and potential.

"China is willing to make joint efforts with the EU to maintain healthy and stable trade relations and always want to settle trade frictions through dialogue and consultations," she said.

The EC, the EU's executive arm, backed a proposal this month to impose punitive tariffs averaging 47 percent on imports of Chinese solar panels to prevent alleged "dumping" in the European market.

Sources told Xinhua on Monday that at least 14 out of the 27 EU member states have voted against the EC proposal.