China receives Australia's WTO consultation request

China has received a request for consultation from Australia after the Oceania country announced it would seek World Trade Organization involvement over alleged tariffs imposed by Beijing on its barley exports on Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Australia plans to seek a review from the WTO regarding China's move to impose anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on its barley exports, according to media reports.

Based on application documents submitted by domestic companies, the Ministry of Commerce initiated anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations against imported barley originating in Australia, and adopted corresponding trade remedy measures in accordance with the law, said Gao Feng, the ministry's spokesman.

"China has always conducted trade remedy measures in a manner consistent with WTO rules," he said.

The official stressed China will deal with this issue in accordance with the WTO's dispute settlement procedures.