China's move to launch anti-dumping and anti-subsidy probes into imports of U.S. chicken products and vehicles was "based on the facts," Ministry of Commerce Spokesman Yao Jian said here Tuesday.

When asked if China's investigation was a retaliatory move because of the dispute over tire tariffs imposed earlier by the United States, Yao said at a press conference the investigation was in accordance with the country's anti-dumping and anti-subsidy regulations, and based on facts.

Yao said the probe followed Chinese manufacturers' and industrial associations' demands for a probe into U.S. companies' dumping activities and government subsidies.

The ministry has received the requests and started evaluations, Yao said.

China launched anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation into U.S. chicken products and an anti-subsidy investigation into automobiles produced in the United States on Sunday.

The ministry said China always firmly opposed protectionism and hoped all countries could work together to promote the quick recovery of the world's economy.

(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2009)