It was the first case that China pushed to a dispute panel on its own initiative since it joined the WTO at the end of 2001. The move underscoresthe growing assertiveness of the world's second-largest exporter in global economic diplomacy.
Before taking office yesterday the Obama administration pledged to take a tough line against allegedly unfair Chinese trade practices, including undervaluation of its currency. However, China has signalled its readiness to challenge actions that may breach WTO rules.
The case involves four sets of parallel anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties imposed by the US on two types of steel pipe, pneumatic off-road tyres and laminated woven sacks.