IN BRIEF (Page 14)

Yuan pressure is 'protectionism'

Pressuring China to appreciate its currency is also a form of trade protectionism, which may lead to more serious consequences than anti-dumping and other trade measures, Long Yongtu, secretary-general of the Boao Forum for Asia, said on Thursday.

"Adjustment of the current rate should be decided by market demands, instead of succumbing to foreign pressure. Bowing to outside pressures means a nation loses its macroeconomic sovereignty," Long said.