China launches anti-dumping probe on Australian wine

China's anti-dumping investigation on wine imported from Australia is a normal examination, and Chinese authorities will carry it out in a fair and just manner according to law, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Ministry of Commerce said it has decided to launch an investigation on wine imported from Australia in 2019 that comes in containers holding two liters or less.

The Ministry of Commerce said it received a request to investigate from the China Alcoholic Drinks Association on behalf of China's wine industry in July, and found the request conforms to stipulations in the country's Regulations on Anti-Dumping.

China's position on developing its ties with Australia is consistent and clear, Zhao said at a daily news conference.

Healthy and stable development of ties serves the interests of both China and Australia, but requires joint efforts from both sides, Zhao said.

The spokesman called for Australia to work with China, uphold the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and do more things that contribute to mutual trust and cooperation.