CHINA has demanded the United States give up trade protectionism and fairly treat Chinese enterprises after the US Commerce Department endorsed dumping charges on China's steel pipes in a preliminary decision.

"It is discriminatory," spokesman of China's Ministry of Commerce Yao Jian said today. "The US wantonly raises its tariffs, taking advantage of not admitting China's status as a market economy. It will have a serious impact on Chinese steel industry and China strongly opposes such deeds of protectionism."

Yao urged the US to commit itself to the promises of fighting protectionism made at the 20th session of the US-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade, which concluded last month. He also said China will "take measures" to defend the interests of domestic enterprises.

The US Commerce Department released its preliminary decision on the dumping charges on Chinese-made steel pipes yesterday, ruling imposition of duties of up to 99 percent on steel pipes from China.

The duties for Chinese pipes, used in oil and gas wells, will be on top of separate duties announced in September averaging 21 percent to counter Chinese government subsidies, according to the department.

It added to a growing list of actions against Chinese exports after the US imposed punitive tariffs on Chinese tires in September. China responded with a complaint to the World Trade Organization.