The China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) expressed its resolute opposition to the proposed deal by Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton to set up a joint venture valued at $116 billion, claiming the planned merger, which is contrary to fair competition, would deepen iron ore market monopoly and cause iron ore prices to soar in an unchecked way.

The proposal also provoked anger among foreign industrial organizations such as the World Steel Association, Eurofer, Japan Iron and Steel Federation and steel producers from all over the world.

The CISA called on steelmakers around the global to boycott Rio-BHPs merger attempts through antimonopoly vehicles of their own. It suggested Chinese authorities protect legal interest of steelmakers in China, the worlds largest iron ore importer and consumer, by attacking the deliberate action in accordance with Chinas Antimonopoly Law.