China filed complaints to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Friday over U.S. anti-dumping and countervailing measures imposed on Chinese-made steel pipes, tires and laminated woven sacks.

"China requested consultations with the United States under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism regarding those measures," the Chinese mission to the organization said in a statement.

"China believes that the request for consultation is the legitimate right of China as a WTO member and a normal practice of WTO members to resolve their disputes," the statement said.

It also expressed hope that the United States would attach importance to China's serious concerns over those measures, which it believes violate WTO rules.

According to WTO dispute settlement procedures, the two sides will have some 60 days to try to solve their dispute through consultations.

If that fails, China can ask for a WTO panel to investigate and rule on the case.

(Xinhua News Agency September 20, 2008)