U.S. lawmakers urged to avoid protectionism against China

China Tuesday urged United States lawmakers to recognize the importance of Sino-U.S. trade and economic ties and to avoid protectionist measures against China.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu made the remarks at a regular press conference when responding to a question on U.S. Congress criticism of the RMB exchange rate.

Jiang said China had made clear its principle and stance on many occasions concerning issues related to the exchange rate.

Safeguarding healthy and stable development of the Sino-U.S. trade and economic ties was in the common interest of both countries, she said.

A U.S. congressional panel Friday approved a bill to set punishing duties on imports from China to offset what it called an "undervalued currency."

The House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee backed the legislation on a voice vote.
(Source:xinhua)