China blocks WTO investigation

China has blocked a possible WTO investigation caused by a US complaint, the AP reported. Under WTO rules, China can block the creation of an investigatory panel once, but not a second time. This means a panel to examine the complaint will likely be created next month. The US had complained to the WTO's dispute settlement body that China had created unfair restrictions on American movies, music and books. The US said those products suffered from "less favorable distribution opportunities" in China. The WTO is investigating three trade disputes between China and the US involving auto parts, Chinese government industrial subsidies and product piracy and counterfeiting. China has filed a complaint over US antidumping duties on Chinese paper imports.