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5/26/13

China’s premier Li Keqiang warns Europe over trade war - by Joshua Chaffin

China’s premier has waded into an intensifying trade dispute with Europe, warning that EU investigations into Chinese-made solar panels and telecommunications equipment would backfire by hurting European consumers.

“The cases over these two types of products will hurt Chinese industries, business and jobs and also damage the vital interests of European users and consumers,” Li Keqiang said en route to Berlin on Sunday during his first foreign trip since becoming premier. “We express firm opposition.”

Mr Li’s comments mark the first time that China’s top leadership has weighed in on the trade disputes, and come as the solar case – the EU’s biggest ever trade investigation – enters a critical phase.

The EU must decide before June 6 whether to go ahead with a proposal from Karel De Gucht, trade commissioner, to impose provisional duties averaging 47 per cent on imported Chinese solar products for dumping, or selling goods below cost.

Read more: China’s premier Li Keqiang warns Europe over trade war - FT.com

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