EU challenges China39;s dairy probe at WTO over EV tariffs
China39;s commerce ministry expresses regret over EU39;s WTO challenge
China initiated antisubsidy investigation on EU dairy products in August

BRUSSELS, Sept 23 Reuters The European Commission launched a challenge at the World Trade Organisation WTO on Monday against China39;s investigation into EU dairy products, initiated after the European Union placed import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

This is the first time the European Union has taken such action at the start of an investigation, rather than wait for it to result in trade measures against the bloc.

The EU39;s action was prompted by an emerging pattern of China initiating trade defence measures, based on questionable allegations and insufficient evidence, within a short period of time, the commission said.

Proceedings at the WTO start with a mandatory period of 60 days for the parties to consult each other. The Commission said it would ask the WTO to set up an adjudicating panel if the consultations did not lead to a satisfactory solution.

WTO panels usually take more than a year to reach conclusions.

Later on Monday, China39;s commerce ministry said it had received an EU request for consultations and expressed regret over the bloc39;s WTO challenge.

Beijing39;s investigation had been initiated based on Chinese law and at the request of domestic industry, the ministry said in a statement.

China has a responsibility to protect the…