Beijing, July 22 (IANS) Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang on Friday said Beijing will continue pushing market-based reforms regardless of whether the European Union (EU) grants it the status of a market economy.
"Granting the status of a market economy does not depend on any individual, country or organisation, because there is no universally accepted standard," said Li at a press conference in Beijing on the occasion of the 1+6 Roundtable, that comprises China and the International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organisation, World Bank, International Labour Organisation, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the Financial Stability Board.
The debate about the EU conceding market economy status to China -- something that other economic powers, including the US and Japan also have to undertake -- stems from the above cited protocol.
The decision, which would change the way anti-dumping penalties on Chinese products is calculated, is of symbolic importance to China.
Meanwhile, WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo said at the briefing that the situation is governed by the terms of the protocol and not subject to negotiation.
In a less conciliatory tone, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce asked the EU to stop using its old anti-dumping probe method, and added that to continue to do so would be contrary to the WTO protocol.
