China says it will cut tariffs on more than 200 information technology products from the World Trade Organization's most favoured nations. The lower tariffs on such products as touch screens and medical equipment will take effect on Thursday.

The Ministry of Finance says the cuts mark the first time China has reduced tariffs on IT products.

The Ministry also says that China aims to reduce most tariffs on the IT products on its list to zero within three to five years. It says, too, that a small number of other products will have their tariffs reduced to zero within seven years.