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    December 15, 2011

China Defends Higher US Car Tariffs

   VOA News
   China's Minister of Commerce Chen Deming addresses a news conference at
   the 8th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Geneva,
   December 15, 2011.
   Photo: Reuters
   China's Minister of Commerce Chen Deming addresses a news conference at
   the 8th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Geneva,
   December 15, 2011.

   China has defended its decision to increase tariffs on some U.S. car
   imports.
   Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming says the duties on imported
   automobiles are normal trade remedies and not a form of protectionism.
   He says if anyone begs to differ, the best solution is to ask World
   Trade Organization [WTO] experts to rule on it.
   Chen spoke to reporters Thursday on the sidelines of the WTO
   ministerial conference in Geneva.
   The new tariffs will be placed on imported automobiles with engine
   capacities of 2.5 liters or more and will affect vehicles produced by
   several companies, including General Motors, Chrysler and BMW's U.S.
   manufacturer.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

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