China's high-tech exports face trade barriers

Sang Baichuan, director of the institute of international business at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said that the value of affected exports last year "accounted for a larger share in overall exports than the average level over the past decade, showing intensified trade friction involving Chinese products".

"China will continue to face frequent trade friction and there is no reason to be optimistic about the prospects if we look at the country's international trade environment and the resurgent protectionism in the world," said Sang.

"Meanwhile, the recovery path of the global economy is proving to be more complex than anticipated. The uncertainties surrounding the economic recoveries in the US and the EU, together with concerns over employment prospects, suggest high risks of trade remedy measures against Chinese exports to protect local employment," he said.

Highlights from the briefing

1.China will over time reduce export quotas for metals to comply with a World Trade Organization ruling that these curbs are discriminatory.

2.China will urge the new Greek government to ensure Chinese companies' interests in Greece, after it halted the privatization of Piraeus port earlier this week. China believes that both governments are keen to continue to cooperate as they are close trading partners, as well as advance pragmatic cooperation in various industries to achieve progress and bring financial benefits to people in both nations.

3.China expects the Mexican government to respect international business rules and provide equal treatment to the China-Mexico joint consortium, which won the $3.75 billion high-speed rail project last November.

4. Trade with countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road amounted to $1.12 trillion in 2014. Investment by Chinese companies in these countries reached $103 million in the first 11 months of last year.

Related story: China turns to rail , nuclear to energize exports by Zhao Yinan, China Daily

China will lift sluggish exports by promoting rail, nuclear power and surplus products in overseas markets after trade growth fell short of its target last year.

The exploration of overseas markets for railways, nuclear power and other sectors involving the use of large-scale equipment will be upgraded through joint-ventures and public-private partnerships, top members of the State Council decided on Wednesday. Premier Li Keqiang presided over the executive meeting.