China is very cautious to apply protective trade measures though it suffers a lot from trade disputes, a Chinese official with the Ministry of Commerce said in Beijing Tuesday.

Wang Qinhua, director of an investigation bureau on industrial losses under the ministry, said that China had launched 34 anti-dumping cases since 1997.

The cases, still in a small quantity, mainly cover raw material products including chemicals and steel.

On the other hand, more than 600 anti-dumping cases had been launched by other countries against China.

According to Wang, the investigation bureau aims to help establish a fair and healthy environment business development in the country and protect their legal rights and interests.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2004)