China to voice concern over Indian import curbs without reaching WTO

China is likely to convey its concern to India over New Delhi trying to restrict import of Chinese goods, even though Beijing has not “yet” dragged its neighbour to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on the issue.

Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan is expected to convey his country’s strong resentment over India resorting to protect its industry against imports from China, when he meets Commerce Secretary G K Pillai here this week, sources said.

“We have nothing on this yet,” WTO spokesperson said in an e-mail from Geneva when asked whether China has lodged any formal complaint against India.

China was upset over India slapping a ban on import of Chinese toys on January 23, which was partially eased within six weeks, provided the toys conformed to international health and safety standards,

The official Chinese media had reported that the country was mulling to drag India to WTO for contesting the ban.

However, Pillai is expected to confront Zhong with data showing surge in imports from China.

While the bilateral trade has seen a sharp rise in the fiscal 2008-09, it is highly skewed in favour of China.