China calls for WTO probe against US

China has asked the WTO to launch a probe against the US over illegal taxation of Chinese goods such as steel pipes and off-road tires, AP reported. The request for an investigation marks the first time Beijing has called for a WTO panel to resolve a trade dispute. The US delayed the establishment of the panel at a meeting of the WTO’s dispute body on Monday, but an investigation will most likely be launched in early 2009. The WTO recently rejected an appeal by China in a dispute over auto parts tariffs filed by the US, EU and Canada.