China launched anti-dumping and anti-subsidies investigations into some automobile and chicken products originally produced in the United States, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) announced on Sunday.

The probe follows complaints from Chinese manufacturers. They alleged the above products entered the country's markets with an "unfair competition manner", which harmed domestic industries.

The ministry said the investigation was in accordance with the World Trade Organization rules and China's laws.

The MOC announced, China always firmly opposes protectionism. The country hoped all countries worked together to promote a quick recovery of the world economy.

(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2009)