China presents case against EU protectionist tariffs

In light of possible punitive tariffs imposed by the EU on Chinese photovoltaic products, China is presenting its case to a number of forums.

Wang Xiaokang, vice-chairman of the China Chamber of International Commerce, in his letter to board members of the International Chamber of Commerce on Friday, said imposed tariffs will not only prevent development of the EU-China trade relationship, but also disrupt international trade and jeopardize world economic recovery.

EU trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht announced on Tuesday that the EU has decided to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of solar panels, cells and wafers from China.

The latest statement from International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) on Monday said that they will support the position of Wang and of the CCOIC in this regard.

The ICC statement will be made public to the media and will also be sent by personal courier to officials of EU governments and the EU Commission.

"We share the view that the measures proposed by the commission are divisive and potentially damaging to world trade," said Jean-Guy Carrier, secretary-general of the ICC.

This is the first time the ICC adopted such a stance on a specific case for a single country, according to Lin Shunjie, secretary-general of the CCOIC.

He added that this is also China's first attempt to make its voice heard through the ICC and that will carry great weight globally.

"The response from the ICC shows that China is not on its own in terms of anti-trade protectionism," said Lin.

"They will know that this 'anti-dumping' trade quarrel has already become an international issue, and this will help China get the upper hand during the negotiation in the coming two months", Lin said.