Xinhua cited Mr Zhang Xiaogang chairman of China Iron and Steel Association as saying that the western anger over surging Chinese steel imports is unreasonable and runs against the concept of globalization. Mr Zhang, also president of Anshan Iron and Steel Group Corporation, in an interview with Xinhua told that some western countries have been using double standards when it comes to trade and competition in the steel industry.

Mr Zhang said that the rising steel production in China has been fueled by the rapid economic development in China as well as global economic recovery in recent years. He said “The world's steel production rose by 8.8% last year and China's steel production, even though still ranks the highest in the world, has been growing slower than some countries like India. And China's steel production growth is expected to fall below 10% next year which is largely attributed to the recent national policies to curb the overheating of Chinese steel industry.”

Mr Zhang said that “The rise in Chinese steel exports to Europe is mainly due to the economic growth in the region. And European companies, including the German car producer BMW, have been happy to use Chinese steel products, the quality of which is improving very fast. Meanwhile, Chinese steel did not come to Europe at the cost of local steel producer. Nearly all European steel manufacturers have steadily seen their profits rising in recent years.”

Mr Zhang advised that “In a time of globalization, everything should be done to promote fair trade and competition. Spending time on unnecessary spat is not helping.”