China blasts EU's 'protectionist' stance

Responding to a request from the European Union for formal talks with Beijing over two types of Chinese textile imports, China criticized what it calls the EU's "protectionist signals", according to media reports. The EU's move brings it closer to imposing curbs on surging Chinese textile and garment imports. Under WTO rules, China must move in 15 days to reduce exports on flax yarn and T-shirts to a level not exceeding 7.5% over their shipment between March 2004 and February 2005.