Chinese government mounts legal challenge
The Chinese government has backed a move by the country's shoemakers to launch a legal battle against EU import duties, by taking the matter to an EU court.

The move comes after the EU slapped a 16.5 per cent tariff on Chinese shoe imports, accusing the country of selling shoes within Europe below the market price.

China's Ministry of Commerce said the proposed legal move by its shoemakers was 'an effective channel for the companies to protect their legitimate rights and interests.' The government supports the shoe retailers' action against the EU.

An EU spokesman said: 'The Chinese government is perfectly within its rights to launch a legal challenge, which we will defend if it goes to court.' He added that the EU was 'entirely confident' the tariffs were sound.

It is not yet known when China's shoemakers will mount the legal bid.

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