News Summary: China slams EU solar duties
China criticizes EU duties on solar panels, announces anti-dumping probe of European wine
WINE AND SUN: China announced a trade investigation of European wine Wednesday after the European Union hit Chinese exporters of solar panels with anti-dumping duties.
TWO MESSAGES: The Ministry of Commerce's announcement of the wine probe came in the same statement that expressed "resolute opposition" to punitive European tariffs on Chinese solar products.
A LINK? A Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hong Lei, did not respond when asked later at a regular briefing whether the wine investigation was retaliation for the solar duties. Concern about possible retaliation rose after Chinese Premier Li Keqiang warned last month that European anti-dumping action over solar panels would harm both sides.
