China : US solar probe reflects protectionism

China criticised a US decision to investigate whether Chinese companies are harming the American solar panel industry, saying it was made without sufficient evidence and highlights a strong US tendency for protectionism. The US International Trade Commission voted on Friday to investigate a complaint by seven US solar companies that Chinese competitors are selling solar products on global markets at unfairly low prices. The vote does not impose any penalties, but says there is reason to believe that Chinese imports harm or threaten to harm the US solar panel industry. Insufficient evidence China's Ministry of Commerce said in a statement late on Saturday that the decision was made without sufficient evidence showing the US industry had been harmed and did not take into account Chinese companies' arguments or opposition from US industries and other affected groups. "China is deeply concerned about the decision, which does not tally with facts and highlights the United States' strong tendency for trade protectionism," it said on its website.