BEIJING - The tax levied by the United States on Chinese photovoltaic (PV) products has violated the rules of World Trade Organization (WTO), said China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Thursday.

After a vote, the US International Trade Commission announced that PV products from China's mainland and Taiwan had impaired the US PV industry and it decided to levy a tax on these products.

The MOC said the vote and investigation on Chinese PV products had ignored and disobeyed the WTO rules.

The US has abused its power with the Trade Remedy Laws, caused losses for Chinese enterprises and American customers and hindered global cooperation in new energy, the MOC said.

The ministry urged the American side to follow the rules and adopt proper and responsible measures to cope with trade frictions.

China is considering safeguarding its rights under the WTO framework and American judicial system, the MOC added.