China has been strictly following the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in foreign trade since it became a member of the international organization, a spokesman for the annual session of the nation's top legislature said Thursday.

Li Zhaoxing, spokesman of the 3rd session of the 11th National People's Congress, made the remarks at a press conference when answering a question concerning China's trade dispute with the west.

"There is nothing to worry about as China has strictly followed the WTO rules in foreign trade, or both export and import, since it became the 143rd WTO member on December 11, 2001," said Li

"What we need to do is..., in line with the WTO rules, to stick to the principles of being fair, reasonable, equal and mutually beneficial in trade," Li said.

The NPC session will open Friday morning and is scheduled to last 10 days.

(Xinhua News Agency March 4, 2010)