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China 'deeply concerned' over trade protectionism

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-16 20:20

BEIJING -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) voiced concern Monday about trade protectionism, amid fears that such action would aggravate the economic downturn.

Yao Jian, spokesman of Ministry of Commerce of China, takes questions at a press conference in Beijing, China, February 16, 2009. The press conference held Monday was mainly about China's domestic market and international trade. [Xinhua]

MOC spokesman Yao Jian told a press conference China was "deeply concerned" over protectionism in some countries, which he didn't identify. "China is against any form of protectionism, and we propose cooperation and negotiation to solve all international trade issues," Yao said.

Related readings:  China: Protectionism is no cure to crisis  Reject protectionism  Wen warns against protectionism amid financial crisis

The United States Congress last week approved a US$787-billion stimulus plan that contains "Buy American" provisions, which limit the purchase of foreign iron, steel and manufactured goods for stimulus-funded infrastructure projects.

Yao also said China would give its full support to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to restrain the spread of trade protectionism.

"The WTO's plan on tracking member countries' stimulus packages and the fulfillment of the measures is a good mechanism to restrain trade protectionism. It may urge member countries to commit to their free trading strategy," he said.