China files WTO dispute against Australia

BEIJING -- China on Thursday lodged a dispute case under the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism over Australia's anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures against some Chinese imports, the country's commerce ministry said.

The dispute involves Australian trade measures imposed or extended on imports of railway wheels, wind towers and stainless steel sinks from China in 2019 and 2020, the ministry said.

China opposes abusing trade measures as it not only harms the legitimate rights of Chinese companies but also undermines the solemnity and authority of WTO rules, said Gao Feng, a spokesperson with the ministry.

By filing the dispute, China hopes to protect both the rights of Chinese companies and the authority and effectiveness of the multilateral trade mechanism and WTO, Gao told a press conference.

China hopes Australia would take concrete measures to correct the wrong moves, avoid trade distortion and bring related trade activities back on track, Gao said.