(Yicai Global) Oct. 26 -- The dispute resolution panel for the Section 232 aluminum and steel tariffs China requested against the US has been docketed on the agenda of the World Trade Organization's regular meeting on Oct. 29, Gao Feng, spokesman for China's commerce ministry, said at a press conference yesterday.

China is one of seven WTO members that sought to empanel an expert group under the WTO dispute settlement framework for the US Section 232 measures on Oct. 18. The trade organization dispute settlement body has included the requests of China and other members in the agenda of the regular meeting on Oct. 29, Gao said in an interview with Yicai Global. 

A Section 232 investigation is conducted per the US' Trade Expansion Act and seeks to determine the effect of imports on national security. These probes may be started by application from interested parties, the head of any agency, or the commerce secretary, per the website of the Bureau of Industry Security under the US commerce department.

Under WTO procedures, if a respondent blocks a claimant's request to set up an expert panel, the claimant may resubmit its request, at which time the expert group automatically forms, Gao said, adding China is willing to work with members to uphold the multilateral trade system and defend the solemnity and effectiveness of WTO rules.

Editor: Ben Armour