The Ministry of Commerce of China File photo: VCG

Responding to a media inquiry for comment that China has reportedly filed a complaint with the WTO against India's tariffs on information and communication products and Indian photovoltaic subsidy measures, and asked for further details, a spokesperson for China's Commerce Ministry (MOFCOM) said on Friday that China requested consultations with India at the WTO regarding India's tariffs on information and communications technology (ICT) products and Indian photovoltaic subsidies on the same day.

India's measures are suspected of violating multiple WTO obligations, including bound tariff commitments and national treatment, and constitute import-substitution subsidies explicitly prohibited by the WTO, the MOFCOM spokesperson said, noting that these measures give India's domestic industries an unfair competitive advantage and harm China's interests.

This follows China's previous action responding to India's electric vehicle and battery subsidy measures and represents another firm step to protect the legitimate rights and interests of China's domestic industries, said the spokesperson, noting that the Chinese side once again urges India to honor its WTO commitments and immediately correct its wrongful practices.

Global Times