China warns EU about planned solar duties

A EU proposal to levy punitive duties on Chinese solar panels would "severely impair" bilateral trade ties if it went into effect, Ministry of Commerce spokesman Shen Danyang said at a Thursday press conference.

His remarks came after the European Commission agreed to back a proposal to levy provisional duties ranging from 37 to 68 percent on Chinese solar panels.

"Up until today, China remained open to dissolving frictions through dialogue and negotiations," Shen said, urging the EU to consider the larger picture of bilateral ties and make efforts to handle the issue properly.

In the context of a fragile global economy, countries should join efforts to guard against trade protectionism and remove barriers in order to achieve common development, Shen said, adding that those who go against the consensus will disrupt the economic recovery process and undermine market confidence.