MNI BRIEF: China To Handle Australia Move Via WTO Procedures

Beijing will handle Australia's decision to act against China through the World Trade Organization over anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on imported Australian barley through the proper dispute settlement procedures, said Gao Feng, spokesman of the Ministry of Commerce at a briefing on Thursday, adding regret at Canberra's decision to take action.

MOFCOM initiated the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation against imported Australian barley after receiving domestic complaints and adopted corresponding trade remedy measures in accordance with law and WTO rules, Gao said.

Gao also said that China and the EU have made important progress on the remaining issues over texts during last week's latest negotiation on the China-EU investment agreement. "Both sides will continue their efforts to achieve the negotiation goals set by leaders of both parties," said Gao.