China is "strongly dissatisfied" with European Union's decision to extend dumping duties on leather footwear from China, Yao Jian, spokesman of the Ministry of Commerce, said Tuesday.

Yao made the remarks after European Union ministers voted the same day to extend import duties on shoes from China and Vietnam by another 15 months.

China will appeal to the World Trade Organization and take measures to protect the rights and interests of Chinese companies, Yao said.

"We have noticed that EU importers, retailers, and many member countries show opposition to the anti-dumping measures. We hope the EU could respect facts, follow the wishes of European people and stop such anti-dumping measures," Yao said.

EU footwear products are competitive with robust exportation and face no direct competition from Chinese products, and the anti-dumping measures are meaningless, Yao said.

Yao reiterated that countries should avoid trade protectionism while the world economy is recovering from the financial crisis, and should turn to dialogues and cooperation instead.

"Trade protectionism can only hurt mutual trust and lead to losses to both sides," Yao said.

In 2006, the EU decided to impose a two-year anti-dumping duty of 16.5 percent on Chinese leather shoes. In 2008, the EU launched an anti-dumping review investigation.

(Xinhua News Agency December 23, 2009)