China praises U.S. trade panel for rejecting probe

A laborer sits on steel pipes at a steel market in Hefei, Anhui province November 6, 2009.

BEIJING (Reuters) - China on Monday praised a U.S. trade panel's decision to reject an investigation into imports of Chinese steel fasteners, saying it was the "correct judgment."

China's commendation contrasted with the flare-up in trade tension last week when the United States imposed new anti-dumping duties on steel pipes and China launched its own investigation into imports of U.S.-made automobiles.

Both countries, while pressing on with trade cases, are also seeking to ensure a cordial atmosphere for U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to China next week.

The U.S. International Trade Commission on Friday voted 6-0 to reject an investigation into charges that China and Taiwan were dumping certain standard steel fasteners in the United States.

The U.S. trade panel approved two new investigations into charges of unfair trade practices by China, with one covering coated paper and the other about certain types of salts.

China's Commerce Ministry made no mention of either of these investigations, but said that it hoped the United States would avoid protectionism and be objective and fair in judging future cases.

(Reporting by Simon Rabinovitch)