Japan is seeking talks with China as soon as possible over Beijing's decision to slap duties on Japanese imports in retaliation for Tokyo's temporary curbs on Chinese agricultural products, a top trade official said here Thursday.
Vice Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Katsusada Hirose told a news conference that if China went ahead with the sanctions, it would breach a bi-lateral trade agreement as well as WTO rules.
The government was considering formally requesting negotiations "as soon as possible" to defuse the row and get China to drop its planned retaliation, Hirose said.
"We are co-ordinating the date with the Foreign Ministry."
China announced Monday it would impose higher duties on cars, mobile phones and air conditioners made in Japan in protest at Japanese curbs on Chinese agricultural products, but has so far given no more precise details.
The move was in response to a two-month-old Japanese decision to slap tariffs of up to 266 percent on imports of Chinese spring onions, shiitake mushrooms and tatami rushes to protect Japanese producers under WTO rules.
The two sides have already held talks in which Beijing has demanded that the temporary curbs be rescinded and Tokyo has insisted it will stand firm -- TOKYO (AFP)
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