China suggests retaliation against Japan's import curbs

Asian Economic News, June 11, 2001

SHANGHAI, June 7 Kyodo

(EDS: ADDING MORE INFORMATION)

China said Thursday it may take countermeasures in retaliation for Japan's import curbs on some Chinese farm products if the two countries fail to resolve the issue through negotiations.

''If Japan continues to unilaterally take actions ignoring China's opposition, China reserves the right to take actions,'' Chinese Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Minister Shi Guangsheng said at a news conference after a two-day meeting of trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

Shi made the remarks in response to a question on whether China will impose restrictions on imports of Japanese cars as a retaliatory measure.

''Although China repeatedly had negotiations with Japan, the problem has not yet been solved,'' he said.

''The two sides still continue talks and I hope a satisfactory result will be produced,'' Shi said.

On April 23, Japan slapped emergency import curbs on stone leeks, rushes used in tatami mats and shiitake mushrooms, mostly from China.

Under the curb, effective for 200 days, higher tariffs will be imposed if imports exceed quotas allocated to importers.