(Yicai Global) Aug. 24 -- Two anti-dumping investigations recently initiated by China are being conducted completely in line with legal procedures, without any consideration of other factors, Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesman Gao Feng said at a press briefing today when asked if the probes are counters to the US's Section 301 investigation.

The commerce ministry has started anti-dumping probes into optical fiber preform imports from the US and Japan, and dispersion-unshifted single-mode fiber imported from the US and the European Union.

MOFCOM has imposed countervailing measure on optical fiber preforms from the US and Japan since Aug. 19, 2015. They expired on Aug. 18 this year as they are valid for two years. In line with relevant regulations, domestic industry representatives can file an application for review 60 days prior to maturity, Gao said. The ministry received an application in June and opened a case on Aug. 18 after finding it met requirements.

The ministry has imposed anti-dumping measure on dispersion-unshifted single-mode fibers from the US and the EU since April 21, 2011. It conducted a sunset review of this case last year, deciding to extend the enforcement period five years. In May, members of China's fiber industry submit to have the dumping margin on American imports of such products recalculated, said Gao. MOFCOM started the investigative procedure on Aug. 22 after legal examination.

The US will look into whether the practices, policies and actions of the Chinese government in areas including technological transfer, intellectual property rights and innovation are irrational or discriminatory, and whether they result in burden or restriction on American businesses in a Section 301 investigation, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Aug. 18.