China rules US support for group of solar, wind energy projects violates trade rules

BEIJING, China – China’s Commerce Ministry says an investigation has found that U.S. government support for six renewable energy projects violated free-trade rules.

Thursday’s announcement is the latest volley in a widening conflict between Beijing and Washington over renewable energy. They have promised to co-operate in developing technology but accuse each other of improperly supporting their manufacturers.

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China’s Commerce Ministry said an investigation launched in November concluded U.S. support for the six solar, wind and hydro projects violated World Trade Organization rules. It gave no indication whether Beijing might take punitive measures.

The announcement follows a preliminary ruling last week by the U.S. Commerce Department in a separate case that Chinese manufacturers were selling solar power equipment in the United States at improperly low prices.