BEIJING - Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) should comply with WTO rules and ensure Chinese companies' right of defense while imposing trade remedy measures, an official said Tuesday.

In a preliminary ruling made by the European Commission earlier this month, anti-dumping duties will be imposed on imports of hot-rolled steel from China for six months, with the exclusion of tool steel and high-speed steel products.

The exclusion was the result of the defence put forward by Chinese steel and cutting tool maker Tiangong International Co, but will also be enjoyed by other manufacturers of those products, Shen Danyang, spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce, told a press conference.

As there will be half a year before the announcement of the final ruling, Shen said Chinese companies should make continued efforts to defend themselves.

"The central government will continue to support Chinese companies with regards to the foreign anti-dumping investigations," Shen added.

China is against trade protectionism and advocates a prudent, restrained and rule-based use of trade remedy measures, according to Shen.