Beijing  - China on Friday filed its first complaint against the European Union at the World Trade Organization, arguing that EU import duties on Chinese screws and fasteners violate global trade rules.

A statement published Friday on the Chinese Ministry of Commerce website said the EU measures lacked "impartiality and transparency and damaged the legitimate trade and business interests of more than 1,700 Chinese fastener manufacturers."

In January, the EU imposed import duties of 26.5 to 85 per cent on Chinese fastener companies. (dpa)