China expresses regret over WTO ruling

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China has expressed regret over a World Trade Organization ruling against its regulations on the import and distribution of foreign books and audio-visual products.

On Wednesday, the WTO ruled in favor of a U.S. complaint over China's imports of publications and audiovisual products.

The ruling largely upholds the U.S. allegations that certain Chinese measures constitute restrictions to the imports of such products and are inconsistent with WTO regulations.

In response, the Ministry of Commerce says China felt it regrettable that the panel had not rejected the U.S. complaint.

The Ministry also says China will conscientiously assess the ruling report by the expert panel and will not rule out the possibility of appealing on China's points of concern.

China has 20 to 60 days to appeal the decision before the ruling is adopted by other WTO members.

The U.S. litigation at the WTO was initiated in 2007, and an expert panel was established in November the same year to investigate the case.