BEIJING, April 4 -- China faced more trade and investment barriers in the United States than anywhere else, a government study said.

    The study by China's Commerce Ministry alleges unfair tactics by 22 major trading nations against Chinese exports and investment. The practices included technical standards, quarantine and quality inspection, and intellectual property rights, said the report on the ministry¡¯s Web site.

    Other alleged barriers are trade protection measures, customs requirements, environmental protection and labor standards.

    Last week, the U.S. Commerce Department issued a report charging 61 countries and groups of nations with putting up significant trade barriers that harm U.S. manufacturers and farmers.

    U.S. officials said the report would guide trade negotiations. If talks fail to resolve disputes, the U.S. Government may bring cases to the World Trade Organization.

    The Chinese report, which focused mainly on the United States, the European Union and Japan, said the 450 problems it identified would be ¡°discussed in bilateral or multilateral government negotiations in a bid to overcome them.¡±

    Among China¡¯s complaints: 57 antidumping and safeguard investigations against Chinese exports worth US$1.26 billion last year.

    China¡¯s Foreign Ministry said it hoped to resolve trade issues through cooperation.

    ¡°We would not like to see the trade issues politicized,¡± ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said during a regular news briefing in Beijing.

    Liu also defended China¡¯s efforts to crack down on rampant illicit copying of goods, ranging from movies and computer software to sporting goods and designer clothes.

    A Commerce Ministry official, Wang Shichun, said the report was intended to help Chinese companies and organizations learn about overseas investment systems and practices to give them a chance at fair competition, Xinhua reported.Enditem

(Source: Shenzhen Daily/Agencies)