Expert: Trade protectionism to continue

Trade protectionism measures against China have increased since the beginning of this year. Even common residents are familiar with terms such as anti-dumping and anti-subsidy. Experts say trade protectionism will continue in the near future, and China has to take measures to fight against it.

Since the beginning of 2009, the United States has launched 10 anti-dumping and anti-subsidy probes, and one special tariff investigation on Chinese products. The high number of cases is rare in the history of trade disputes. Experts say the major reason is that some countries have not recognized China's market-economy status and that trade discrimination still exists. They have also noted that this is not good for the world's economic recovery.

Zhang Yansheng, Director of Inst. for Int. Economic Research, NDRC said "China is a big supporter of the economic recovery in the US, Japan and European countries. America's domestic demand has not contributed to its economic recovery, but trade has."

Experts point out that as a byproduct of the global economic downturn, trade protectionism will continue to spread in the near future. China's steel, textile, plastic and chemical industries will likely become the hardest-hit sectors. Many believe it's time for China to take measures to fight against trade protectionism.

Shi Yinhong, Professor of China Renmin University said "Generally speaking, we all hope that China-US relations will develop smoothly. To respond to trade friction, we must be justified and restrained. Some times we should also be harsh in order to let the US realize that trade protectionism will hurt both sides."

Experts also note that launching anti-trade protectionism measures is not equal to launching a trade war. It's just a way for China to reiterate its firm opposition toward trade protectionism, and to remind other countries to keep their promises.

China's Ministry of Commerce has already launched anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations on some vehicles imported from the US. Inquiry departments have pledged to strictly follow related laws and regulations.