China criticizes US currency bill as protectionism

BEIJING (AP) China has criticized a measure passed by U.S. lawmakers to allow possible sanctions over currency as protectionist and a violation of global trade rules.

The Commerce Ministry statement Thursday said the measure would not resolve the imbalance in U.S.-Chinese trade which sees China running a large trade surplus with America.

It gave no indication what Beijing might do in response to the measure passed Wednesday by the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation would allow Washington to seek trade sanctions against China or other governments that manipulate their currency to gain trade advantages.

The Commerce Ministry said the measure violates World Trade Organization free-trading rules.