BEIJING - China is to appeal a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling that US tariffs on Chinese tires are consistent with global trade rules, said Yao Jian, spokesman of China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC), Wednesday.

China was concerned about the negative effects of the WTO ruling, Yao said.

Related readings:  China regrets WTO ruling on US tariff on Chinese tire imports  WTO rules US tariff on Chinese tire imports

Imposing the duties on Chinese tires was aimed to shift domestic pressure in the US, but the action would not solve the problems in the related sectors, Yao said.

On Sept 11, 2009, the United States announced punitive tariffs of up to 35 percent on all Chinese car and light-truck tire imports in an attempt to "remedy the clear disruption to the US tire industry."

On Sept 14, 2009, China requested consultations with the United States on the issue, calling the tariffs inconsistent with WTO rules and US obligations under China's Accession Protocol.

A WTO ruling on Monday said that the United States tariffs on Chinese tires were consistent with global trade rules.