Market economy status 'must not be denied'

China's market economy status in the World Trade Organization must not be denied by any countries or regions, as its market-oriented economy has benefited the world economy via the multilateral trading system for more than a decade, said a former senior commerce official on Monday.

His remarks came after the United States formally informed the WTO of its opposition to granting market economy status to China last week. If upheld, this would allow Washington to maintain high anti-dumping duties on Chinese goods.

The statement of opposition was submitted as a third-party brief in support of the European Union in a dispute with China that could have major repercussions for the trade body's future.